US Sanctions Eight Nigerians Over Terror Links And Cybercrime

The United States has sanctioned eight Nigerians accused of involvement with terrorist groups and cybercrime, freezing any assets they hold in the country and prohibiting Americans from doing business with them.

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) released the names over the weekend in a 3,000-page document listing individuals and entities designated as Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) under U.S. counter-terrorism laws.

OFAC said the publication “provides actual notice of actions … whose property is blocked,” serving as a legal reference for U.S. citizens and businesses.

Several of those sanctioned are reportedly linked to Boko Haram, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2013, and to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The list includes Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, a Nigerian passport holder with alleged ties to Boko Haram. In 2022, he was convicted in the United Arab Emirates alongside five others for setting up a Boko Haram cell to raise funds for fighters.

Others named include Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa, and several members of the Al-Barnawi family, widely reported to be connected to Boko Haram leadership. Nnamdi Orson Benson was also sanctioned for cybercrime-related activity, indicating involvement in significant online criminal operations.

Under the sanctions, all property and interests these individuals hold in the U.S. or under the control of U.S. persons are blocked, and Americans are barred from financial dealings with them.

The move is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to combat terrorism financing and cyber threats, including visa bans and asset freezes targeting other Nigerians facing similar allegations.

Nigeria’s government and law enforcement authorities have not yet publicly responded to the sanctions.