FG Warns Landlords Against Renting Houses to Terrorists, Threatens Jail Term

The Federal Government has warned landlords against renting their properties to terrorists, saying such actions could attract prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The warning was issued by Mijinyawa Zakari, Director of the Legal Office of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, following the conclusion of the 11th phase of trials of terrorism suspects.

Zakari said the law criminalises several activities connected to terrorism, including preparatory offences and the provision of support to terrorist groups.

He explained that Sections 11 to 33 of the Act cover a wide range of offences, warning that individuals could face prosecution for facilitating terrorist activities even when they have not personally carried out an attack.

“Providing support to terrorism attracts a minimum sentence of 20 years. Renting your property to a terrorist is also an offence,” he said.

He added that hosting preparatory meetings with terrorist groups could also constitute an offence under the law.

Zakari urged landlords, businesses, journalists and other members of the public to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Act to understand the legal consequences of activities that support terrorism.

The ONSA official also warned companies against receiving funds linked to terrorist financing, regardless of whether the money is eventually used to carry out an attack.

According to him, a company found guilty of receiving terrorist financing could face a fine of N200 million, while its principal officers could be prosecuted and the company itself wound up.

He said the government was strengthening its investigative capacity to identify and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in financing, facilitating or otherwise supporting terrorist activities.

At the same briefing, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria dismissed allegations that defendants facing terrorism charges were being denied access to lawyers of their choice.

The council’s Director-General, Aliyu Abubakar, represented by his Technical Adviser on Counter-Terrorism, Dauda Hassan, said legal aid officials regularly visit defendants at the Kuje Correctional Centre and military facilities to interact with them before trial.

He maintained that defendants retain the right to legal representation of their choice, although private lawyers seeking to take over cases must obtain the necessary clearance from relevant authorities.

The government’s warning signals an expanded focus on individuals and organisations suspected of providing logistical, financial and other forms of support to terrorist groups.