The Federal Government has warned landlords who rent their properties to terrorists and companies that receive terrorism-linked funds that they risk prosecution under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, with penalties including a minimum 20-year prison sentence and fines of up to ₦200 million. The warning signals a tougher approach by the government towards individuals and businesses suspected of providing financial, logistical or other forms of support to terrorist groups.
Related: Troops Kill Senior ISWAP Terrorists, Repel Attack In Borno
Key Highlights
- Landlords who knowingly rent properties to terrorists risk prosecution.
- Providing support to terrorism attracts a minimum 20-year prison sentence.
- Companies that receive terrorist financing could face a ₦200 million fine and possible winding-up.
- Hosting preparatory meetings with terrorist groups is classified as an offence.
- The government says it is strengthening investigations to prosecute collaborators and financiers.
- Legal Aid Council insists terrorism suspects retain the right to legal representation.
FG Warns Landlords Against Renting Properties to Terrorists
The Director of the Legal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mijinyawa Zakari, disclosed the position 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 connected to terrorism, including preparatory offences and the provision of support to terrorist organisations.
He said Sections 11 to 33 of the Act contain provisions covering a wide range of terrorism-related offences, warning that individuals could face prosecution even when they have not personally carried out an attack.
“A careful reading of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022, will indicate that Sections 11 to 33 provide for a wide range of offences, including preparatory offences,” he said.
According to Zakari, providing support to terrorism attracts a minimum prison sentence of 20 years, while renting property to a terrorist is also a prosecutable offence.
He added that hosting preparatory meetings with terrorist groups could equally attract criminal liability.
The warning places landlords and property owners under renewed scrutiny over the individuals and organisations they accommodate, particularly where there is evidence of links to terrorist activities.
Companies Risk ₦200m Fine Over Terrorism Financing
Zakari also warned businesses against receiving funds connected to terrorism, saying companies could face severe sanctions regardless of whether the money was eventually used to carry out a terrorist offence.
He stated that a company found to have received terrorist financing could be fined ₦200 million, while its principal officers could face prosecution and the company could be wound up.
“For example, a company that receives terrorist financing, whether or not that money is used for the offence, will be charged a fine of ₦200m. The principals will be prosecuted, and that company could be wound up,” he said.
The government said it was strengthening investigative capacity to identify and prosecute not only direct perpetrators but also individuals and organisations suspected of facilitating terrorist activities. Earlier phases of the trials have already produced convictions for terrorism financing at the Kainji Detention Facility.
Zakari urged Nigerians, particularly journalists and other stakeholders, to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the law to understand the scope of conduct classified as terrorism-related offences.
He said increased public awareness would help Nigerians recognise activities that could expose individuals and businesses to prosecution.
“As we increase capacity in our investigation and all this, you will see a lot of charges coming, but that is what the law has provided. So, it is a whole strategy that goes after both collaborators, perpetrators, irrespective of the degree,” he added.
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Legal Aid Council Rejects Claims Terrorism Suspects Are Denied Lawyers
Meanwhile, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria has dismissed allegations that defendants facing terrorism charges are being denied access to lawyers of their choice.
The Director-General of the council, Aliyu Abubakar, represented by his Technical Adviser on Counter-Terrorism, Dauda Hassan, said the government had made coordinated efforts to ensure that defendants receive legal representation and have their cases heard in court.
He explained that legal aid officials regularly visit defendants at the Kuje Correctional Centre and military facilities to interact with them before trial.
According to him, the visits are intended to ensure that defendants have an opportunity to discuss their cases with legal representatives in an appropriate environment.
Abubakar also rejected claims that defendants were prevented from engaging private legal practitioners, saying the council had received requests from lawyers seeking to take over some of the cases.
He clarified that defendants retain their constitutional right to choose their lawyers, but private practitioners seeking to take over cases must obtain clearance through the appropriate authorities.
“All we said is that they should go through the appropriate authority to the DSS, the Director of Federal Prosecution, and then if they give them clearance, they can come and collect the charges from us,” he said.
He maintained that allegations that defendants were denied access to defence counsel were unfounded.
Government Faces Challenge of Balancing Security and Fair Trial Rights
The government’s warning highlights its intention to widen the focus of counterterrorism investigations beyond armed operatives to include alleged financiers, collaborators and individuals providing logistical support.
However, the enforcement of the law will also require clear evidence, due process and respect for the constitutional rights of suspects and defendants.
The Legal Aid Council’s position on access to lawyers underscores the importance of ensuring that the prosecution of terrorism cases proceeds alongside the right to a fair hearing.
As the government strengthens its investigations, landlords, businesses and other stakeholders are being reminded that knowingly facilitating terrorist activities or financing could carry serious legal consequences.
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