Why We Haven’t Prosecuted Terrorism Financiers Yet – Nigerian Govt Speaks Out

The Federal Government has explained why individuals suspected of financing terrorism have not yet been prosecuted, emphasizing that the process requires extensive and delicate investigations that cannot be rushed.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the remarks on Friday during an interview with Channels Television, monitored by NIGERIA NEWS 247. He stressed that contrary to public perception, the matter is not as simple as having a list of suspects and immediately taking them to court.

Idris’ comments come amid growing public concern over alleged government complicity in the rising insecurity across the country. Successive administrations have faced pressure to identify and prosecute individuals suspected of funding Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups operating in the North.

Officials under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly identified some suspected financiers, raising expectations that trials would follow.

Speaking on the matter, Idris said, “It is not a question of having the list or not having the list; it is not as simplistic as that. Investigations have to be conducted. In some cases, there are merits in what they said. You don’t say, ‘because pronouncements have been made, let me take you to court directly.’ There must be sufficient investigation carried out.”

He assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is working assiduously to end terrorism and address other security threats in the country.