A federal grand jury in Minneapolis has indicted Benedict Nwana Kuah, 51, and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi, 52, both naturalized U.S. citizens, on charges related to organizing and financing violent attacks in Cameroon. The indictment includes counts of conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad; conspiracy to provide material support or resources; conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; and additional charges against Kuah for providing material support or resources, conspiracy to commit hostage taking, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction outside the United States.
The indictment states that Kuah and Wongbi are leaders within the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), a group seeking independence for the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon. Kuah is identified as Chairman of the ADF’s War Council while Wongbi serves as Head of Defense for Logistics and Human Resources. According to authorities, they directed fighters to carry out kidnappings, bombings, and killings targeting civilians, government officials, and security forces with the goal of pressuring the Cameroonian government.
“The defendants are charged with using the United States as a base of operations to finance and direct kidnappings, bombings, and killings in Cameroon,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their alleged conduct caused death, terror, and suffering among innocent civilians. The Criminal Division is committed to holding accountable those who seek refuge in the United States while spreading violence abroad.”
“Minnesota is not a launchpad for overseas violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Operating from the comfort of their living rooms in Minnesota, these defendants caused violence and suffering half a world away. They ordered kidnappings, bombings, and murders. Their crimes are an affront to both American law and basic human decency. Cameroon is a safer place because of this prosecution.”
Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division stated: “The defendants were allegedly involved in planning, financing and directing violent attacks that harmed numerous civilians and government officials in the Republic of Cameroon, with targets including a market, an annual footrace, and a Youth Day celebration... Although these violent acts occurred outside of U.S. borders...the FBI does not condone violence and will work with our partners to ensure those who engage in...criminal acts are held accountable for their actions.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis added: “The ADF used terror and coercion to torment civilians...These arrests underline the strength of the FBI’s partnerships across the federal government...U.S. citizens who engage in campaigns of kidnapping bombing,and murder will be foundand broughtto justice.”
According to court documents since 2017 Kuahand Wongbihave sent thousandsofdollarstofightersinCameroonforweaponsammunitionandexplosivesanddirectedmultipleattacks.TheindictmentdetailsseveralincidentsincludingthekidnappingofagovernmentofficialinApril2022,bombingattemptsagainstthegovernorofCameroon’sNorthwestRegioninJanuary2023,andabombattackatanannualfootraceinFebruary2023thatinjured19people.InOctober2023,two unarmedcivilianswerekilledinthemarketplaceofGuzangafterKuahandWongbidirectedmemberstokillthosebelievedtobecooperatingwiththegovernment.AnotherIEDattackatYouthDaycelebrationsinNkambeonFebruary11 2024resultedinthedeathofa15-year-oldgirlanddozensofinjuries.
Authorities allege that beyond orchestrating attacks,thedefendantsraisedfundsthroughsocialmediaandonlineplatformssuchas“TheTakeoverFund”andsoliciteddonationsforweaponsandinOctober2022launchedacampaigncalled“Operation200AKs”toarmfighterswithAK-47rifles.
Both men were arrested August 21,inMinnesotaandarebeingheldpendingdetentionhearingsscheduledforSeptember10(Kuah)andSeptember11(Wongbi).Ifconvictedtheyfaceamaximumsentenceoflifeimprisonment.
The investigation was led bytheFBIwithassistancefromHomelandSecurityInvestigations.ThecaseisprosecutedbyAssistantU.S.AttorneyLaurenRosoandTrialAttorneyBrianMorganoftheJusticeDepartment’sHumanRightsandSpecialProsecutionsSection(HRSP),withadditionalassistancefromotherJusticeDepartmentpersonnel.
An indictment is an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
