US freezes assets of eight Nigerians linked to Boko Haram, cybercrime

The United States has frozen the assets of eight Nigerians accused of connections to Boko Haram, ISIL, and cybercrime-related offences.

The sanctions were published in a 3,000-page document on February 10 by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

OFAC sanctions target terror and cybercrime suspects

The action follows recommendations from US lawmakers for visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups allegedly involved in religious persecution and security threats in Nigeria.

Among those named are Salih Yusuf Adamu, Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, Khaled Al-Barnawi, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, and Nnamdi Orson Benson.

Nigerians linked to Boko Haram, ISIL, and cybercrime

OFAC said the sanctions block the property and interests of these “Specially Designated Nationals” within US jurisdiction, and prohibit US persons from engaging in transactions with them.

Some of the individuals were previously convicted in the UAE for attempting to raise funds for Boko Haram insurgents, including sending $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria.

Others were identified as leaders or affiliates of Boko Haram and ISIL, and some faced sanctions for cybercrime offences.

The US first designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation in 2013, noting its role in attacks across Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.

Sanctions against these Nigerians form part of broader counter-terrorism efforts to block financial dealings and safeguard national and international security.