*Says Supporters Risk 20-year Jail
THE Federal Government has warned landlords against renting out their properties to terrorists, warning that anyone found providing accommodation or support to terrorist groups could face prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Government also warned individuals who organise or participate in preparatory meetings with terrorist organisations, saying such activities are criminal offences under Nigerian law, even when no direct act of violence has been committed.
According to the Director of NSA’s Legal Office, Mijinyawa Zakari, who stated this during a press briefing in Abuja at the conclusion of the 11th phase of trials involving terrorism suspects, Sections 11 to 33 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, outline several terrorism-related offences, including preparatory activities and providing assistance to terrorist organisations.
Zakari said individuals who provide support to terrorism risk a minimum prison sentence of 20 years, while landlords who knowingly rent their properties to terrorists can also be prosecuted.
He explained that the law goes beyond individuals who directly participate in terrorist attacks, extending its reach to collaborators and anyone whose actions help terrorist organisations operate.
He stated: “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 urged Nigerians, particularly journalists, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the law to better understand the activities classified as terrorism-related offences.
He said greater public awareness would help Nigerians understand the government’s counterterrorism strategy and recognise that even indirect assistance to terrorist organisations could attract serious legal consequences.
He also warned businesses and corporate organisations against accepting funds linked to terrorism, noting that companies involved in receiving terrorist financing could face substantial financial penalties and possible closure.
A company that receives terrorist financing could be fined N200million, regardless of whether the funds are eventually used to carry out a terrorist offence, while individuals responsible for such transactions could also face prosecution, and the company itself could be wound up.
Zakari further said government was strengthening its investigative capabilities to identify and prosecute individuals, businesses and organisations involved in terrorism financing and other forms of assistance to terrorist groups.
He reiterated that government’s strategy was designed to target both direct perpetrators and their collaborators, regardless of the level of involvement.
Meanwhile, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria has dismissed allegations that suspects facing terrorism charges are being denied access to lawyers of their choice.
He said government had put coordinated measures in place to ensure defendants received legal representation and were given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
Its Director General, Aliyu Abubakar, represented by his Technical Adviser on Counter-Terrorism, Dauda Hassan, explained that legal aid officials regularly visit defendants at the Kuje Correctional Centre and military detention facilities to interview them and discuss their cases before trial.
Abubakar said the process was designed to ensure that defendants had access to legal assistance in a conducive environment before being brought before the courts.
He also waved off claims that suspects were prevented from hiring private lawyers, saying the Council had received several applications from private legal practitioners seeking to take over the defence of terrorism suspects.
Abubakar insisted that the Council does not deny defendants their constitutional right to choose their legal representatives.
He stated that private lawyers interested in handling such cases are, however, expected to obtain the necessary clearance from the appropriate authorities, including the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Director of Federal Prosecution.
He stressed that once the required clearance is granted, private lawyers can approach the Council to obtain the relevant charge documents.
He added that every defendant has the right to legal representation of their choice.He described allegations that terrorism suspects were being denied access to defence lawyers as misleading and unfounded.
