Minnesota State Wire

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 allegations of conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad; conspiracy to provide material support or resources; and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Kuah faces additional counts for providing material support or resources, conspiracy to commit hostage taking, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction outside the United States.

According to the indictment, Kuah and Wongbi are leaders within the Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), a group seeking independence for Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest Regions. Kuah is identified as Chairman of the ADF’s War Council while Wongbi serves as Head of Defense for Logistics and Human Resources. Prosecutors allege that both men directed fighters to carry out kidnappings, bombings, and killings targeting civilians, government officials, and security forces in Cameroon.

“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.”

“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,” said Assistant Director Donald Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.  “Although these violent acts occurred outside of U.S. borders, these charges should underscore that criminal actors cannot hide in the United States.  The FBI does not condone violence and will work with our partners to ensure those who engage in, or direct criminal acts are held accountable for their actions.”

“The ADF used terror and coercion to torment civilians and threaten the government of Cameroon. The alleged actions of Kuah and Wongbi directed and funded that death, destruction, and terror,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis.  “These arrests underline the strength of the FBI’s partnerships across the federal government and send the clear message that the U.S. will not be a safe harbor for criminals.  Across the U.S. and beyond our shores, U.S. citizens who engage in campaigns of kidnapping, bombing, and murder will be found and brought to justice.”

The indictment details incidents dating back to 2017 where Kuah and Wongbi allegedly sent funds from Minnesota to fighters purchasing weapons used in attacks against Cameroonian targets—including kidnappings such as one involving a civilian official from Cameroon’s Northwest Region in April 2022; an attempted assassination on a regional governor dubbed “Operation Rattlesnake” in January 2023; bombings at public events like February 2023’s Mount Cameroon Race for Hope which injured 19 people; targeted killings at Guzang market square; as well as an IED attack during Youth Day celebrations that killed one child.

Prosecutors also allege that Kuah appeared on social media soliciting donations through platforms such as “The Takeover Fund” or campaigns like “Operation 200AKs,” raising money specifically for weapons purchases.

Both men were arrested August 21 in Minnesota following investigation by federal agencies including the FBI with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.

Kuah’s detention hearing is scheduled for September 10 while Wongbi’s is set for September 11; if convicted they face up to life imprisonment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Roso along with Trial Attorney Brian Morgan from DOJ's Human Rights Section are prosecuting this case with further support from other DOJ divisions.

An indictment represents allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.