Founder of Naija Lives Matter (NLM), Dr. Ope Banwo, has called on the Federal Government to immediately investigate and, where evidence exists, prosecute individuals and companies recently sanctioned by the United States over alleged links to terrorism financing.
Banwo made the call following the announcement by the United States Department of the Treasury that it had sanctioned a Nigerian, Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, and three Nigerian Bureau De Change firms over alleged involvement in financial transactions linked to ISIS-West Africa (ISWAP).
Describing the development as a major intelligence breakthrough in the fight against terrorism, Banwo said the U.S. authorities had already taken significant steps by identifying and sanctioning the individuals and entities named in the report.
According to him, the responsibility now rests with Nigerian authorities to determine whether the allegations warrant criminal investigation and possible prosecution under Nigerian law.
“The United States has done its part,” Banwo said in a statement.
“They have identified individuals and entities they believe are connected to terrorism financing, imposed sanctions and alerted the international financial community. The question now is what the Nigerian Government is going to do about it.”
The activist argued that the sanctions should not be treated as just another international news item, but as a serious national security matter deserving urgent attention from relevant agencies.
He called for a coordinated multi-agency investigation involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Nigeria Police Force and military intelligence agencies.
Banwo questioned whether any concrete action had been taken since the sanctions were announced, including investigations into the businesses and individuals named in the U.S. action.
“Have criminal investigations been opened? Have the businesses been searched? Have bank accounts been frozen pending investigation? Have the directors and beneficial owners been questioned?” he asked.
According to him, terrorism thrives on financial support and cannot be effectively tackled without disrupting the networks that allegedly fund extremist activities.
He noted that while those who carry out attacks pose a direct threat to public safety, individuals or organisations found to be financing such operations could be equally dangerous because they provide the resources that sustain terrorist networks.
Banwo stressed that every serious country treats terrorism financing as a major national security threat and urged the Nigerian government to demonstrate a similar level of urgency.
He also described the development as an opportunity for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reinforce its commitment to tackling insecurity and ensuring accountability.
According to him, a transparent investigation would benefit all parties involved. He said if the allegations are unfounded, those named should be cleared through due process, while any evidence of wrongdoing should be pursued through the courts.
Banwo warned that silence or inaction could further fuel public concerns about the ability of authorities to identify and dismantle terrorism financing networks operating within the country.
The U.S. sanctions form part of a broader international effort to disrupt financial channels allegedly linked to terrorist organisations across Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
As public attention remains focused on the development, Banwo maintained that Nigerians deserve to know what steps, if any, are being taken by local authorities in response to the allegations and whether investigations have commenced.
