Why terrorism financiers are yet to face trial — FG

The Federal Government says the absence of prosecutions against suspected terrorism sponsors is due to the complex and sensitive nature of the investigations required before any cases can proceed to court.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the explanation during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, amid renewed public criticism over the government’s handling of insecurity across the country.

Idris noted that contrary to widespread assumptions, the issue goes beyond compiling names of suspects and immediately initiating court action. His remarks come as Nigerians continue to question why successive administrations have failed to try individuals allegedly linked to financing Boko Haram, ISWAP and various bandit groups operating mainly in the North.

Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, officials had revealed that some suspected terrorism financiers had been identified, prompting public expectations that prosecutions would soon follow. However, no major trial has taken place, a development that civil society groups and security experts say undermines public confidence in the government’s counterterrorism drive.

Addressing the concerns, 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.

“Unfortunately, when you are fighting these kinds of battles, it is not something that you just sort out within a day or two. That is why, all the time, we are calling on our partners within and outside this country to understand the complexity and diversity of the situation we have here.”

The minister stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to combating terrorism and other security threats. According to him, the government has recorded substantial gains since May 2023, though many Nigerians often overlook the progress.

He stated, “Sometimes we forget the successes we have recorded in the fight against bandits, criminals, and some of these jihadists. From May 2023 to date, over 13,500 of these criminals have been neutralised and taken off our society.

“Over 17,000 of them have been apprehended. Even as we speak, some of them are having their day in court, and some have been sentenced. I think we should recognise these efforts.”

On the delayed appointment of ambassadors, Idris said President Tinubu is already concluding the process, adding that the list of nominees is undergoing security screening.

He further confirmed continued diplomatic engagements between Nigeria, the United States and other partner nations to address misinterpretations surrounding the country’s security challenges.

According to him, “We agree that ambassadors should be there (US), and the President has agreed that he is going to release this list. As I speak with you, the President is finalising it. They have passed them to security agencies for checks. I can tell you that ambassadors are going to be appointed pretty soon.

“There is diplomatic engagement happening between Nigeria and the United States and other countries. What we feel is that there is no proper understanding of what the situation is about.

“This is the message we are taking to them. We are open to any kind of cooperation—regional, international, American or anybody who wants to see that there is an end to this crisis in Nigeria.”