44 convicted for terrorism financing, get 30-year jail term

Forty-four out of 54 individuals arraigned at the Kainji Detention Facility in Niger State have been convicted for terrorism financing, the Federal Government announced on Friday.

The Head of Strategic Communication at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abu Michael, confirmed the development in a statement, describing it as a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to dismantle terrorist financing networks and uphold justice.

The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday as part of Phase 7 of ongoing terrorism trials, which officially commenced on July 9, 2025, at the Kainji facility.

Those convicted received prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, all with hard labour — a measure the government says underscores the seriousness of their crimes and the justice system’s zero tolerance for terrorism.

Delivering a keynote address at the ceremony, NCTC National Coordinator Adamu Laka represented National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), was represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar.

According to the NCTC, the convictions come on the heels of Phase 6, which concluded with 237 terrorism-related cases heard and 200 convictions secured. Sentences in that phase ranged from 20 to 70 years, life imprisonment, and even the death penalty, depending on the severity of offences.

The charges included mass killings, destruction of religious and civilian infrastructure, as well as the abduction and abuse of women and children — particularly in the Gina Kara Kai community of Borno State.

With the conclusion of Phase 7, Nigeria has now secured 785 convictions linked to terrorism financing and related crimes.

The Federal Government described the outcome as a critical step in disrupting extremist operations, cutting off their financial lifelines, and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s security and judicial institutions.