23 Suspected Terrorism Financiers Uncovered

…With Billions of Naira in Suspicious Transactions

According to SaharaReporters has uncovered a complex network of 23 individuals – 20 Nigerians and three foreign nationals suspected of financing and facilitating terrorism, primarily linked to Boko Haram operations in Nigeria.

The exclusive investigation details extensive financial transactions, personal data, and cross-border links connecting the suspects to convicted terrorist financiers cited in multiple UAE court judgments.

According to SaharaReporters, several Nigerian suspects arrested in 2021 were later released under controversial circumstances despite overwhelming evidence of suspicious activity.

Nigerian Suspects Identified

1. Alhaji Saidu Ahmed
   A Zaria-based businessman identified as a major Boko Haram financier. His accounts recorded inflows of N4.8 billion, with proven links to convicted terrorists.
2. Usaini Adamu
   A Kano businessman with 111 BVN-linked accounts across nine banks. He reportedly moved over N43 billion and acted as a guarantor for accounts belonging to convicted terrorists.
3. Muhammad Sani Adam
   A forex and precious stones dealer with 41 accounts showing inflows of N54.1 billion. Described as the “right-hand man” to Alhaji Saidu.
4. Abubakar Adamu Yellow
   Held 42 accounts with inflows of N61.4 billion, including multiple transfers to terror convicts between 2014 and 2019.
5. Murtala Abdullahi Jega
   A BDC operator linked to arms procurement networks. He maintained 94 accounts across nine banks.
6. Sadiq Garba Abubakar
   Operates in Kano and Abuja. His 30 accounts transferred over N1.65 billion to a convicted Boko Haram financier.
7. Hussaini Adamu
   A Kano-based businessman reportedly involved in billions of naira worth of transactions linked to convicted terrorists.
8. Mustapha Ibrahim Yakubu
   With 39 accounts, he transferred N2 billion to a company tied to arms procurement.
9. Ali Abdullahi Yusuf
   Brother to two convicted individuals. His 43 accounts show extensive interactions with over 40 associates in the network.
10. Nasiru Shuaibu
    Operates between Gusau and Minna. Received N5.4 billion from another suspect.
11. Yusuf Ghazali
    A forex trader with an extraordinary 385 accounts. Mentioned in UAE court rulings as a cross-border transfer agent.
12. Mansur Muhammad Usman
    A Kano textile dealer with 18 accounts. Cited multiple times in UAE judgments as a Boko Haram money transfer agent.
13. Yazid Usman Muhammad
    Received funds linked to terrorism financing and maintains five accounts.
14. Alhaji Musa Emma
    Based in Maiduguri, with cash withdrawals exceeding N2.4 billion.
15. Modu Sulum
    Linked to Musa Emma and other Maiduguri-based suspects.
16. Adamu Aliyu Kanoma
    A jewellery dealer in Zamfara with 83 accounts and cash withdrawals exceeding N10 billion.
17. Habibu Muhammad Usama
    Received N65 million from convicts and conducted cash withdrawals over N7 billion.
18. Nurudeen Gani Aliyu
    BDC operator in Sokoto with 218 accounts, facilitating major transfers linked to arms procurement.
19. Ladan Ibrahim
    Chairman of the Sokoto Pilgrims Welfare Agency. His accounts reportedly link public funds to terrorist networks.
20. (Repeated) Sadiq Garba Abubakar
    Also listed among central financiers with multiple high-value transactions.

International Suspects Identified

1. Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa (Rwanda)
   Deceased businessman with 70 Nigerian bank accounts showing N67 billion in inflows.
2. Paul Nkwaya (Rwanda)
   Son of Ayabatwa and co-owner of Leaf Tobacco & Commodities, implicated in transfers linked to terrorist operations.
3. Aboubacar Hima (Niger Republic)
   An Abuja-based arms dealer under investigation for laundering over $1.19 million tied to UAE-linked transfers.

Conclusion

SaharaReporters reports that the financial flows, cross-border operations, and repeated mention of the suspects in UAE terrorism financing judgments reveal a deeply coordinated network supporting Boko Haram.

The findings call for renewed investigation, monitoring, and prosecution by Nigerian and international security agencies.

COURTESY: SaharaReporters