Federal Jury Indicts Two Cameroonian Nationals for Conspiracy and Violent Crimes

A federal jury in Minnesota has indicted two naturalized U.S. citizens from Cameroon, accusing them of various serious charges linked to violent actions in their homeland. Benedict Nuwana Kua, 51, and Pascal Kixie Wombi, 52, were arrested Friday morning, facing charges that include murder, conspiracy, and providing material support for violent acts as outlined by the Department of Justice.

Kua is facing a multitude of charges, including three counts of providing material support, conspiracy to take hostages, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction outside the U.S. They are currently in custody, awaiting detention hearings scheduled for September 10th and 11th.

Both men are alleged to have played key roles in the Ambazonia Defense Force (ADF), a separatist militia aiming for an independent state in Cameroon. The indictment suggests that they exploited their positions to raise funds, acquire weapons, blackmail civilians, and manipulate the Cameroonian government.

Since 2017, Kua and Wombi reportedly sent substantial amounts of money to co-conspirators for weapons and explosives. In 2022, they were allegedly involved in luring government officials as part of their propaganda efforts.

In 2023, Kua was accused of planning an IED attack on a regional governor, which resulted in injuries to multiple individuals during a race event. That same year, a commander appointed by Kua was implicated in the deaths of two unarmed civilians.

Looking ahead, in 2024, Kua reportedly greenlighted plans for a bombing that culminated in the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl and injuries to many others.

Moreover, the indictment claims that the duo solicited donations online for initiatives labeled “The Takeover Fund” and “Operation 200Aks,” aiming to fund their operations and procure weapons. Authorities noted that Kua has appeared in several videos urging followers to support their violent endeavors.

If convicted, both individuals could face life in prison. Matthew Galeotti, a deputy attorney with the DOJ, stated that the pair utilized the U.S. as a base for orchestrating violence against innocent civilians. Minnesota U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson emphasized that the state would not tolerate being a launch pad for overseas crimes.

“From the comfort of their Minnesota homes, these defendants have instigated violence and suffering across the globe,” Thompson remarked, condemning their actions as a disgrace to American law and human decency.