The Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has corroborated an exclusive report by The PUNCH regarding the designation of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change firms, over alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
In a statement to journalists, NFIU spokesperson Sani Tukur affirmed the accuracy of The PUNCH’s report, explaining that the designations were approved by President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi. Tukur clarified that while the NFIU serves as the secretariat of the Nigerian Sanctions Committee, the release of the designations was initiated by the committee.
The process for designation involves analysis by the National Sanctions Committee, followed by approval from the President through the Attorney General’s office. Once approved, the list of sanctioned individuals and entities is published on the Sanctions Committee’s website and distributed to subscribers.
Among the individuals sanctioned are Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana-Oyiza Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, and Umar Abdullahi. The sanctioned Bureau De Change firms include West and East Africa General Trading Company Limited, Settings Bureau De Change Limited, G. Side General Enterprises, Desert Exchange Ventures Limited, Eagle Square General Trading Company Limited, and Alfa Exchange BDC.
The designation of Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher, stands out as he is currently facing trial for allegedly aiding terrorists responsible for the Abuja-Kaduna train attack in March 2022. The document detailing Mamu’s involvement cites his receipt and delivery of ransom payments totaling over $200,000 US to support ISWAP terrorists in securing the release of hostages