Minnesota Residents Arrested, Charged with Directing Deadly Violence in Cameroon
Minnesota Residents Arrested, Charged with Directing Deadly Violence in Cameroon
Two naturalized U.S. citizens from Minnesota were arrested this morning and charged with orchestrating, financing, and directing kidnappings, bombings, and killings in their native country, the Republic of Cameroon. Benedict Nwana Kuah, 51, and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi, 52, made their initial appearances in federal court this afternoon and are being held pending detention hearings scheduled for September 10 and 11.
According to an eight-count federal grand jury indictment, Kuah and Wongbi held leadership positions within the self-styled Ambazonia Defense Forces (ADF), a separatist militia. They are accused of using their U.S. base to raise funds, purchase weapons, and direct co-conspirators in Cameroon to commit acts of violence against civilians, government officials, and security forces. These actions allegedly aimed to intimidate the population and coerce the Cameroonian government into recognizing the ADF’s legitimacy.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti emphasized, “The defendants are charged with using the United States as a base of operations to finance and direct kidnappings, bombings, and killings in Cameroon. Their alleged conduct caused death, terror, and suffering among innocent civilians.” Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson added, “Minnesota is not a launchpad for overseas violence. Operating from the comfort of their living rooms, these defendants caused violence and suffering half a world away.”
The indictment details a pattern of violence dating back to 2017, including funding for weapons, directing attacks that led to civilian deaths and injuries, and orchestrating high-profile incidents such as a 2023 bombing at the Mount Cameroon Race for Hope that injured 19 people, and a 2024 bombing at a Youth Day celebration that killed a 15-year-old girl and injured dozens of children. The defendants allegedly raised money online through campaigns like “The Takeover Fund” and “Operation 200AKs” to finance these operations.
Kuah and Wongbi face charges including conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim, and injure persons abroad, conspiracy to provide material support, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Kuah faces additional charges, including conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction outside the U.S. If convicted, they could face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
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