FG warns landlords, companies against providing support to terrorists, threatens prosecution

The Federal Government has warned landlords who rent their properties to terrorists, companies that receive terrorist funds and individuals who provide logistical support to terrorist groups that they risk prosecution under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA), 2022.

The government said activities such as renting accommodation to terrorists, hosting preparatory meetings for terrorist groups and receiving funds linked to terrorism constitute criminal offences, even where no actual terrorist attack has occurred.

Mijinyawa Zakari, Director in the Legal Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), gave the warning during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday on the recently concluded 11th phase of trials of terrorism suspects.

Zakari explained that Sections 11 to 33 of the TPPA 2022 provide for various terrorism-related offences, including preparatory activities and providing material or financial support to terrorist organisations.

He said individuals found guilty of providing support to terrorism risk a minimum prison sentence of 20 years, while landlords who knowingly rent their properties to terrorists could also face prosecution.

“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 him, the government’s strategy is to tackle terrorism comprehensively by targeting not only those directly involved in attacks but also individuals and organisations facilitating their operations.

“For example, providing support to terrorism attracts a minimum sentence of 20 years. Renting your property to a terrorist is also an offence.

“You may not have a clear-cut act of terrorism or a harmful act, but all those actions, including holding a preparatory meeting with a terrorist group, constitute offences,” Zakari stated.

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He urged Nigerians, particularly journalists and other stakeholders, to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the law to understand the different activities classified as terrorism-related crimes.

The NSA’s legal directorate also warned companies against receiving funds connected to terrorist financing, stressing that corporate organisations could face severe sanctions even if the money was not eventually used to carry out a terrorist act.

Zakari said a company found guilty of receiving terrorist financing could be fined N200 million, while its principal officers could face criminal prosecution and the organisation 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 N200 million. The principals will be prosecuted, and that company could be wound up,” he said.

He encouraged members of the public to obtain and study the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022, particularly the provisions dealing with preparatory offences, financial support and collaboration with terrorist groups.

“What I would encourage you to do is get a copy of the TPPA 2022 and go through those sections. You will understand the strategy better. This is helpful to both the media and all stakeholders,” he added.

Zakari further disclosed that the government was strengthening its investigative capacity to identify and prosecute individuals, businesses and organisations involved in terrorism financing and other forms of support.

He said the renewed focus was aimed at dismantling the networks that sustain terrorist activities by ensuring that those who provide financial, material, logistical and other assistance are also held accountable.