Oyo Warns Against Misuse of NGOs, Crowdfunding for Criminal Activities

The Oyo State Government has warned that criminal networks are increasingly exploiting non-governmental organisations, crowdfunding platforms and other humanitarian channels to raise and move illicit funds.

Acting Governor Bayo Lawal raised the concern on Tuesday at a capacity-building workshop on awareness, intelligence gathering and institutional responses to emerging threats linked to illicit financial flows.

Lawal, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, said the state had strengthened its collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to prevent the abuse of legitimate financial and humanitarian platforms.

He said the evolving security situation in the South-West, particularly recent incidents of kidnapping, made it necessary for stakeholders to adopt stronger measures against unconventional threats.

According to him, criminal groups are developing sophisticated methods of raising and transferring funds through crowdfunding platforms, humanitarian interventions, NGOs and informal financial systems.

The acting governor acknowledged the importance of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities but called for stronger regulation, proper documentation and effective monitoring to prevent criminal exploitation.

He said improved financial intelligence and stronger coordination among government agencies would be crucial to identifying and disrupting criminal networks.

Lawal urged participants from Ministries, Departments and Agencies to deepen their understanding of terrorism-financing trends and develop proactive measures for early detection and prevention.

He also called for dedicated desks within MDAs to facilitate intelligence sharing, monitor suspicious financial activities and ensure prompt responses to emerging security threats.

The workshop, held at the Western Hall of the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, brought together government officials and other stakeholders to discuss measures for countering terrorism financing and protecting legitimate humanitarian activities from abuse.