Terror Financing Crackdown Deepens as FG Publishes Sanctions List, Secures Mass Convictions

Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign escalated over the weekend as the Federal Government moved to tighten financial surveillance, unveiling a sanctions list of individuals and entities accused of supporting extremist activities while recording hundreds of convictions in ongoing terrorism trials.

The list, released on Saturday by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, came less than 24 hours after the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation concluded the ninth phase of mass trials involving suspects linked to the Boko Haram insurgency.

The four-day proceedings, held at the Federal High Court in Abuja, were presided over by 10 judges and resulted in 386 convictions out of over 500 cases reviewed. Sentences ranged from prison terms to life imprisonment, with courts also recommending rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes for convicts.

Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, who led the government’s legal team alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the outcome sends a strong warning to individuals involved in terrorism and its financing.

“There is no space for them here in Nigeria… we have been able to bring them to justice. This is the clear signal we are sending,” he stated.

Key Names and Groups on Sanctions Radar

Among those listed are organisations already designated as terrorist groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ansaru, and the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Also named is Finland-based separatist figure, Simon Ekpa, who was reportedly convicted in September 2025 by a Finnish court over terrorism-related offences, including allegations of supplying weapons and promoting violence through online platforms.

Another prominent figure is Tukur Mamu, an alleged negotiator in the Abuja-Kaduna train kidnapping case, who is currently facing trial on a 10-count terrorism charge.

Details of Ongoing Prosecution

At the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar, the prosecution has closed its case against Mamu after presenting six witnesses. The defendant is expected to open his defence later this month.

According to the Federal Government, Mamu allegedly received large sums of money including about $420,000 and N21 million from families of train attack victims on behalf of terrorist groups. Authorities also claim he maintained communication with a Boko Haram spokesperson and concealed proceeds linked to the activities.

The Department of State Services (DSS), in a supporting affidavit, further alleged that Mamu used his position as publisher of Desert Herald as cover for illicit dealings and was intercepted in Egypt in 2022 while allegedly attempting to meet terrorist commanders.

Expanded List of Alleged Financiers

Other individuals named in the sanctions list include Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Abdurrahman Abdurrahman, Fatima Ishaq, Yusuf Ghazali, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, Umar Abdullahi, and Abdurrahman Ado.

The list also features Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu, Surajo Muhammad, Fannami Bukar, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Adamu Hassan, Hassan Mohammed, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleiman, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmadubuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, and Ogumu Kewe.

Entities such as Jama’atu Wal-Jihad and other lesser-known groups were also referenced.

Next Steps: Asset Freezes, Possible Extradition

Authorities have directed financial institutions to freeze accounts linked to designated persons and intensify monitoring of suspicious transactions in line with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

There are also indications that the government may pursue extradition proceedings for suspects believed to be outside Nigeria’s jurisdiction.

Officials maintain that investigations are ongoing and emphasise that those found guilty will face prosecution in accordance with the law, as part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorism financing networks nationwide.