The U.S. Justice Department’s case against three American citizens of Cameroonian origin accused of financing Ambazonia separatist fighters has moved into trial, with proceedings now underway in the federal courthouse in Kansas City, Missouri.
The defendants — Claude N. Chi, 40, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Francis Chenyi, 49, of St. Paul, Minnesota; and Lah Nestor Langmi, 46, of Buffalo, New York — were indicted in November 2022. Federal prosecutors allege that the trio coordinated kidnappings in Cameroon and solicited ransom payments from relatives in the United States to generate funds for Ambazonian armed groups.
According to the indictment, the men raised more than 197 million CFA francs through donations, online fundraising, and ransom schemes. The money was allegedly used to coordinate attacks in Cameroon’s North West and South West regions, where an armed conflict has been ongoing since 2017.
Trial Now Underway
A pre-trial conference memorandum filed on November 5, 2025, confirmed that the case was set for a jury trial beginning December 1, 2025, with the court estimating an eight- to ten-day hearing. Public docket entries indicate that the trial is currently proceeding for defendants Chenyi and Langmi, while the status of Chi has not been updated in documents available to the public.
Charges and Allegations
Chi, Chenyi, and Langmi are being tried on four counts, including:
- Conspiracy to provide material support intended to kill, kidnap, or maim persons in a foreign country;
- Conspiracy to provide material support intended to be used in connection with a weapon of mass destruction outside the United States;
- Receiving money from a ransom demand;
- Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
Federal prosecutors allege that since at least January 1, 2018, the men played senior roles in an organization that directed and funded the Ambazonian Restoration Forces and other separatist militias operating in Cameroon’s Northwest Region.
The indictment asserts that the defendants raised funds for weapons, explosives, communications equipment, and other supplies used in attacks against Cameroonian security forces, government personnel, and civilians perceived as supporting the state.
Investigators say the funds were collected through online chat groups, encrypted messaging platforms, and electronic payment systems. The money was then moved through U.S.-based financial and cryptocurrency accounts before being transferred via intermediaries to fighters on the ground in Cameroon.
Kidnapping and Ransom Allegations
According to the indictment, some of the funds were obtained through ransom payments extorted from U.S.-based relatives of Cameroonians kidnapped in the conflict zone. Prosecutors claim the defendants helped document expenditures related to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms, ammunition, and high-profile kidnappings, including:
- The 2020 kidnapping of Cardinal Christian Tumi, and
- The abduction of HRM Sehm Mbinglo II, the Fon of Nso, on November 5, 2020
On 5th November 2020, the Fon of Nso, Sehm Mbinglo II, and Cardinal Christian Tumi, one of the nation’s most respected religious leaders, were kidnapped by suspected Anglophone separatist militants in the Northwest Region. The incident triggered nationwide outrage and deepened the trauma of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. Cardinal Tumi, who was elderly, died months later, with many attributing his declining health to the ordeal. The Fon was eventually released under unclear conditions, highlighting the persistent instability and violence facing traditional authorities in the region.
Possible Sentences
If convicted, the defendants face significant prison terms, including:
- Up to 15 years for each material support count;
- Up to 3 years for receiving money from a ransom demand;
- Up to 20 years for the money laundering conspiracy.
Officials and Investigation
The charges were jointly announced by Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the DOJ’s National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Teresa A. Moore for the Western District of Missouri; and senior FBI officials.
The FBI says its investigation remains active and urges anyone with relevant information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
Conflict Background
Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis has escalated since 2017, claiming more than 6,000 lives and displacing hundreds of thousands. The trial is being closely watched by both the Cameroonian diaspora and observers of the conflict.
