Amid rising insecurity, the government of Nigeria has identified 15 entities suspected to be involved in financing terrorism in the country.
The revelation was contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit on Tuesday night, entitled “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”
According to the statement those financing terrorism include nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms.
The document revealed that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee met on March 18, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for sanction following their involvement in terrorism financing.
The individuals and entities listed in the document have been designated for inclusion on the Nigeria Sanctions List by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President.
One of the persons mentioned is Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher currently undergoing trial by the Federal Government for suspected support of terrorists involved in the March 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train. The document alleges Mamu’s involvement in financing terrorism through ransom payments.
Another individual is implicated in the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. They are associated with the terrorist group Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam and have expertise in clandestine communication and improvised explosive devices.
Additionally, there are individuals linked to the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), suspected of involvement in various attacks, including the St. Francis Catholic Church attack in Owo, Ondo State.
Furthermore, the document mentions individuals involved in financial activities supporting terrorism, including fund transfers and ownership of entities facilitating the transfer of terrorist funds.
Overall, these individuals and entities have been designated for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities and financing as per the Nigeria Sanctions List.
The document further revealed that, in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, institutions and individuals are required to:
“(a) immediately, identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities in your possession and report same to the Sanctions Committee;
“(b) report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.
“(c) immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity and
“(d) report as a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU, all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this List. ”
It said, “The freezing obligation required above shall extend to:
“(a) all funds or other assets that are owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, and not only those that are tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing;
“(b) those funds or other assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities;
“(c) the funds or other assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities and
“(d) funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities.”
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