FG Warns Landlords Renting Properties to Terrorists as Collaborators Face 20-Year Jail Term

The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to landlords who knowingly rent their properties to terrorists, stating that they could face prosecution under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022. The warning was delivered by Mijinyawa Zakari, a Director in the Legal Office of the National Security Adviser, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. The briefing focused on the recently concluded 11th phase of terrorism-related trials in the country. Zakari explained that the law covers not only individuals who directly participate in terrorist attacks but also those who provide assistance or create opportunities for terrorist groups to operate.

According to Zakari, providing support to terrorism attracts a minimum prison sentence of 20 years, while knowingly renting properties to terrorists is also a prosecutable offence. He explained that Sections 11 to 33 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act contain several offences, including preparatory activities and other forms of collaboration with terrorist organisations. He added that individuals could face legal consequences even if they were not directly involved in carrying out attacks, particularly where their actions involved supporting terrorist groups or hosting meetings to prepare for terrorist activities.

The government official also warned companies and corporate organisations against receiving or handling funds linked to terrorism. He stated that any company found guilty of receiving terrorist financing could face a fine of ₦200 million, regardless of whether the money was eventually used to carry out a terrorist operation. According to him, the principal officers responsible could also be prosecuted, while the company itself could face winding-up proceedings. Zakari urged journalists, landlords, business owners and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the law to avoid becoming involved in activities classified as terrorism-related offences.

Meanwhile, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria addressed concerns about the legal representation available to individuals facing terrorism charges. Its Director-General, Aliyu Abubakar, represented by his technical adviser on counter-terrorism, Dauda Hassan, maintained that defendants were not being denied their constitutional right to legal representation of their choice. He explained that legal aid officials regularly visited detainees at correctional and military facilities to ensure they had access to legal assistance before trial. The Federal Government said it was strengthening its investigative capacity to identify and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in terrorism, financing and other forms of support.