Why we haven’t yet prosecuted terrorism financiers – Nigerian Govt

The Federal Government of Nigeria says has stated why it isyet to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, stressing thatthe process requires extensive and delicate investigations that cannot berushed. The Minister of Information and National Orientation,Mohammed Idris, said this on Friday in an interview on Channels Television. Idris said that contrary to public perception, the matterwas not as simple as having a list and immediately taking suspects to court. His comment is coming in the wake of the growing concernsover alleged government complicity in the escalating insecurity ravaging thecountry. Successive governments have faced public pressure toidentify and prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, especiallyBoko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups operating in the North. Officials under the administration of late former PresidentMuhammadu Buhari, were said to have disclosed that some suspected financiershad been identified, raising expectations that trials would soon follow. Speaking on the matter, Idris said, “It is not a question ofhaving 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 whatthey said.“You don’t say, ‘because pronouncements have been made, letme take you to court directly.’ There must be sufficient investigation carriedout.” According to him, the administration of President BolaTinubu was working assiduously to end terrorism and other security threats.

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