By: Okoi Obono-Obla On 19 January 2026, news hit the airwaves and trended ceaselessly across social media, electronic, and prin...
By: Okoi Obono-Obla
On 19 January 2026, news hit the airwaves and trended ceaselessly across social media, electronic, and print media in the country that a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), had been arrested and taken into custody by the Directorate of State Security (DSS) for alleged possession of firearms, ammunition, and terrorism financing.
Since the surge of terrorism incidents in the country over the past two decades, the phrase “terrorism” and “terrorism financing” has become a recurring decimal in the media vocabulary of Nigeria. Yet, many Nigerians do not fully understand what constitutes terrorism financing, even if they have a smattering knowledge of terrorism itself. In this write‑up, I will attempt to explain what terrorism financing entails, drawing from the principal legislation on terrorism in Nigeria—the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 (TPPA).
Section 21 (1)(a)(b)(c)(d) of the TPPA broadly criminalizes providing funds to finance terrorism. This includes willingly giving funds for terrorist acts, supporting terrorist organizations, or funding activities intended to cause harm. Terrorism financing involves collecting, providing, or soliciting funds (even indirectly) with the knowledge that they will be used for terrorism, including supporting terrorist acts, committing related offences, or causing serious harm to intimidate populations or compel governments.
Key Aspects of Terrorism Financing under the Act:
- Broad Scope: Covers direct or indirect provision, solicitation, or collection of funds intended for terrorism.
- Intent: The core element is the intention or knowledge that funds will support terrorism, terrorist organizations, or cause death/injury to civilians to intimidate or compel government action.
- Penalties: Offenders face imprisonment for at least ten years. Corporate bodies can be fined up to ₦200,000,000, while principal officers risk imprisonment of at least twenty years or life imprisonment. In addition, corporations may be wound up and prohibited from reconstitution under any guise (Section 21(2)(a)(b)(i–iii)).
- Related Offences: Section 22 of the TPPA addresses financing the travel of foreign terrorist fighters, dealing with terrorist property, and aiding terrorist groups.
What Constitutes Terrorism Financing (Examples):
Terrorism financing often involves using legitimate businesses, charities, cash couriers, smuggling, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, and illegal levies, with funds moved through various financial channels.
Examples include:
- Donations through charities, NGOs, or unsuspecting individuals.
- Illicit trade, smuggling, kidnapping for ransom, and drug trafficking.
- Use of legitimate businesses and financial systems for fund movement (e.g., ATM withdrawals, cash deposits).
Conclusion:
Terrorism financing is not limited to overt acts of violence but extends to the financial lifelines that sustain terrorism. By criminalizing both direct and indirect funding, the TPPA 2022 ensures that individuals and corporations who knowingly or recklessly provide resources to terrorists face severe consequences. Understanding these provisions is crucial for Nigerians to appreciate the gravity of terrorism financing and its impact on national security.
@ Okoi Obono-Obla
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