Dare Babalola
An ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri on Tuesday said the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken firm action against terrorism financing by confiscating the assets of individuals linked to terror activities, publicly identifying them, and prosecuting suspects through due legal process.
Omokri made the remarks in a statement while reacting to recent media commentary on the Federal Government’s handling of terror financing and national security matters.
According to him, “The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has seized the assets of sponsors of terror, in addition to naming and shaming them, even as they were prosecuted.”
He said the measures demonstrated that the current administration had not remained passive in confronting those allegedly funding terrorism in the country.
The former presidential aide noted that in April this year, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, after completing judicial procedures, directed banks and other financial institutions to seize the assets of 17 named terrorists and terror sponsors.
He added that the Securities and Exchange Commission also instructed capital market operators to freeze the assets of 10 individuals and three entities allegedly connected to terrorism sponsorship.
“To imply that the Nigerian government has never taken such steps is not the best use of journalistic freedoms,” Omokri stated.
He said the actions were backed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which he noted had been actively enforced through the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Omokri also praised Nuhu Ribadu, describing him as widely respected internationally for his role in advancing Nigeria’s security objectives.
He further commended Bianca Ojukwu for efforts to defend Nigerians abroad and send a clear message against the mistreatment of citizens outside the country.
Omokri urged journalists to remain factual and professional in reporting national issues, stressing the need to separate verified news from personal opinion.
