The Office of the National Security Adviser issued a stern caution on Tuesday, directing landlords not to lease their properties to terrorists or individuals organizing planning sessions for extremist networks.
It said that they risk prosecution under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022 if they do so, adding that collaborating with terrorists also attracts a 20 years jail term.
The Director, Legal Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, stated this at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Abuja at a press briefing on the recently concluded 11th phase of trials of terrorism suspects.
Mijinyawa said the law criminalised several activities associated with terrorism, including preparatory offences and the provision of support to terrorist groups.
He explained that providing support to terrorists could attract a minimum of a 20-year prison sentence, while renting property to terrorists was also a prosecutable offence.
“For example, providing support to terrorism attracts a minimum sentence of 20 years. Renting your property to a terrorist is also an offence,” he said.
He urged Nigerians, particularly members of the media and other stakeholders, to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the law to understand the scope of activities classified as terrorism-related offences.
Zakari also warned companies against receiving funds linked to terrorism, saying such transactions could attract severe sanctions regardless of whether the money was eventually used to commit an offence.
“The principals will be prosecuted, and that company could be wound up,” he said.
He added that the government was strengthening its investigative capacity to ensure that more individuals and organisations involved in terrorism financing and other forms of support were brought to justice.
What You Should Know
The federal government is tightening the legal net around terrorism supporters by enforcing strict penalties under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. This directive serves as a strong warning that property owners and corporate entities can face heavy prosecution and long prison sentences if they knowingly or unknowingly enable terrorist activities.
- Positive Impact: Enhanced vigilance and tighter laws help choke off hideouts, meeting spaces, and financial lifelines for criminal elements, ultimately improving community safety.
- Potential Concerns: Innocent property owners might face severe penalties or difficult legal battles if rogue tenants manage to slip through standard screening procedures without proper background checks.
