The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against providing accommodation, financial assistance or other forms of support to terrorists, saying offenders could face lengthy imprisonment.
The warning came from Mijinyawa Zakari, a director in the Legal Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), during a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday following the 11th phase of terrorism suspects’ trials.
Zakari explained that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, covers a wide range of offences beyond directly participating in terrorist attacks.
He said individuals who knowingly provide accommodation to terrorists, finance their activities or participate in meetings aimed at planning terrorism could be prosecuted under the law.
According to him, anyone convicted of providing support for terrorism faces a minimum of 20 years in prison.
Zakari noted that the government was expanding its counter-terrorism efforts to include people and organisations that assist terrorist groups, rather than focusing exclusively on those who carry out attacks.
He said landlords could be held accountable for knowingly allowing terrorists to use their properties, while individuals involved in planning terrorist activities could also face prosecution even if no attack had been carried out.
The NSA official also warned businesses against accepting money linked to terrorist financing, stressing that such transactions could attract severe penalties.
He disclosed that companies found guilty of receiving terrorist funds could face a N200m fine, prosecution of their principal officers and possible dissolution.
Zakari urged journalists, business owners and members of the public to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the law to avoid activities that could expose them to prosecution.
He added that the government was strengthening its investigative capabilities to identify and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in financing terrorism or providing other forms of assistance.
