A sweeping investigation has unmasked 23 individuals—including public officials and an international tobacco magnate—accused of bankrolling terrorism in Nigeria. The network, which moved billions of naira through shadowy transactions, allegedly supplied funds to Boko Haram, raising urgent questions about accountability and high-level interference.
Notably,
many of the 20 Nigerian suspects were arrested in 2021 but were later released
under mysterious circumstances, pointing to potential high-level protection.
· Alhaji Saidu Ahmed (63): A Zaria businessman described as a
"core financier," whose accounts saw ₦4.8 billion in inflows with
direct links to convicted terrorists.
·
Usaini Adamu (Baba Hussaini): A Kano
businessman whose 111 bank accounts processed over ₦93 billion. He allegedly
guaranteed accounts used for arms procurement.
·
Muhammad Sani Adam: A dealer in forex and precious
stones whose 41 accounts recorded ₦54.1 billion in inflows linked to convicts.
·
Abubakar Adamu Yellow (Yellow Amfani): Moved ₦61.4
billion through 42 accounts, sending tens of millions directly to known Boko
Haram convicts.
·
Ladan Ibrahim: A shocking inclusion—the chairman of the Sokoto Pilgrims
Welfare Agency and a public servant. He managed 47 accounts and moved
government-linked funds to alleged terror financiers.
1.
Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa (Late): The Rwandan
tobacco tycoon, who died in 2024, held 70 accounts with ₦67 billion in inflows,
connecting Nigerian financiers to offshore accounts in South Africa.
2.
Paul Nkwaya: Son of Ayabatwa and co-owner of Leaf Tobacco & Commodities—a
firm repeatedly cited in international rulings as a procurement channel for
terrorist weapons.
3.
Aboubacar Hima (Petit): A Nigerien arms dealer based in
Abuja. His accounts facilitated over $1.19 million in transfers from the UAE
for associates of convicted terrorists.