Companies found receiving funds linked to terrorism risk a ₦200 million fine, prosecution of their principal officers and possible closure, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has warned.
The Director of ONSA’s Legal Office, Mijinyawa Zakari, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, following the conclusion of the 11th phase of terrorism trials.
Zakari explained that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, criminalises several activities associated with terrorism, including preparatory offences and providing assistance to terrorist organisations.
He noted that Sections 11 to 33 of the legislation cover various offences, adding that individuals could face prosecution even without directly participating in terrorist attacks.
According to him, providing support to terrorist groups attracts a minimum prison sentence of 20 years.
He also identified renting property to terrorists and holding preparatory meetings with them as punishable offences.
Zakari cautioned landlords and property owners to be mindful of the individuals and organisations they accommodate, particularly where there are indications of links to terrorist activities.
He further warned businesses against accepting funds connected to terrorism, stressing that receiving such money could attract criminal sanctions regardless of whether it was eventually used to execute an attack.
He said affected companies could face a ₦200 million penalty, while their principal officers could be prosecuted and the organisations potentially wound up.
The government said it was strengthening investigative capacity to identify and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in facilitating terrorism, noting that previous phases of the trials had produced convictions for terrorism financing at the Kainji Detention Facility.
Zakari urged Nigerians, particularly journalists and other stakeholders, to familiarise themselves with the law, warning that anyone found facilitating terrorist activities could face prosecution regardless of their level of involvement.
