Quick Summary:
The United States Treasury freezes assets of eight Nigerians accused of ties to Boko Haram and ISIL, citing terrorism and cybercrime concerns under Executive Order 13224.
The United States government has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of having links to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The sanctions were detailed in a 3,000-page document released by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on February 10, under the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List” (SDN List).
The SDN List identifies individuals and entities subject to US sanctions, including those involved in terrorism, cybercrime, and other security threats.
Background to the Sanctions
The move follows recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of religious persecution and violations of freedom of worship in Nigeria.
The sanctions are being enforced under Executive Order 13224, which targets persons who support or finance terrorism.
The development comes after former US President Donald Trump had declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom violations.
Nigerians Named in the Sanctions List
Among those designated is Salih Yusuf Adamu (also known as Salihu Yusuf), born August 23, 1990, identified as having links to Boko Haram. He was one of six Nigerians convicted in the United Arab Emirates in 2022 for establishing a Boko Haram cell to raise funds for insurgents in Nigeria. The group was found guilty of attempting to transfer $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria.
Another individual, Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, born March 4, 1953, was listed under terrorism-related sanctions and identified under multiple aliases, including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso.
Also designated was Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (Ba Idrisa), reportedly born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno State, and flagged for terrorism-related activities.
Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (Habib Yusuf), identified as a Boko Haram leader, was also listed, with varying birth years between 1990 and 1995.
In addition, Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, was sanctioned under CYBER2 provisions for cybercrime-related offences and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport.
Implications of the Sanctions
Those listed face asset freezes, travel restrictions, and financial isolation under US law. Any US-based assets or transactions linked to the individuals are blocked, and American citizens and institutions are prohibited from engaging in business with them.
The sanctions underscore Washington’s renewed focus on counterterrorism and cybercrime in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria’s northeast, where Boko Haram and ISIL affiliates continue to operate.