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“Don’t Disconnect Presidential Villa from National Grid” – Peter Obi Condemns Plan

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has criticised the reported plan to disconnect the Aso Rock Presidential Villa from Nigeria’s national electricity grid, describing it as a troubling development that raises questions about leadership priorities in the power sector.

In a statement shared on social media, Obi recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign promise that Nigerians should deny him a second term if he failed to deliver steady electricity within four years. He noted that nearly three years into the administration, many Nigerians continue to experience unreliable power supply.

Obi referenced provisions in the 2025 federal budget allocating about ₦10 billion for solar power at the Presidential Villa, alongside further allocations in the 2026 budget for upgrades and maintenance, and said reports that the Villa will be disconnected from the national grid are deeply worrisome.

According to him, the seat of power should lead efforts to strengthen and expand the national grid so that citizens and businesses can benefit from improved electricity supply. He argued that government must not be seen to separate itself from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians who remain dependent on the grid.

While acknowledging the importance of renewable energy development, Obi maintained that leadership must demonstrate commitment, transparency, and measurable progress in improving public infrastructure. Nigerians, he said, may not expect perfect fulfilment of promises but do expect clear effort, accountability, and visible

El-Rufai Spends Night In EFCC Detention As Omokri Mocks Him

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Reno Omokri and Mallam Nasir ElRufai

By Adesina Soyooye

“If Nasir (El-Rufai) has your number, be afraid. Be very afraid” – Omokri

Ambassador-designate, Reno Omokri, has mocked a former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai for not being accompanied by any leader of the African Democratic Congress, ADC,  when he went to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, February 16.

This is as it emerged that the ADC chieftain passed Monday night in the custody of the EFFC.

Recall that El-Rufai, on invitation by the EFCC was at its Jabi, Abuja Headquarters on Monday to face Interrogation over alleged misappropriation of billions of Naira belonging to the Kaduna State Government when he was the Governor.

He arrived the EFCC office at about 12 noon where he was met by both pro- El-Rufai and anti-El-Rufai demonstrators.

But reacting to El-Rufai’s “journey” to the EFCC, Omokri mocked him for not being accompanied by any leader of his new political party, the  ADC. “Where were Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi?,” he wondered.

Omokri contrasted their absence to the situation in 2014 when Rotimi Amaechi accompanied him (El-Rufai) to the office of the Department of State Services DSS, when he alleged that he was on the list of those then President Goodluck Jonathan planned  to kill.

Omokri, writing on his X page noted that neither Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi nor Rotimi Amaechi accompanied him on Monday to the EFCC headquarters.

Omokri explained why they were absent. He said that  it’s “Because they know the implications. By revealing to Nigerians and the world that he is part of a criminal hacking syndicate, Nasir el-Rufa’i has become a pariah. He has  been given a long rope and has hung himself.

“But even more importantly, each of the above-mentioned African Democratic Congress leaders is now aware that even they can be hacked and wire-tapped by el-Rufa’i and his criminal gang of hackers!

“If Nasir el-Rufa’i has your number, be afraid. Be very afraid”

However, Atiku, in a message to  El-Rufai, described him as “a man of intellect, courage and uncommon sagacity”. He added that El-Rufai’s current situation is as a result of political persecution.

Tinubu To Ribadu, “You Are A Gold NSA, I’m Proud Of You”

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Nuhu Ribadu and Bola Tinubu
Nuhu Ribadu and Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

If a former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai thought he could shake the confidence President Bola Tinubu has in his National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, he has another thinking coming.

In the midst of Ribadu’s public “fight” with El-Rufai, the President has expressed implicit confidence in his NSA and the nation’s security architecture which Ribadu leads.

In a public commendation, President applauded Ribadu’s leadership and commitment in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry. He described Ribadu as honest, courageous and “fully committed to national security duties.”

President Tinubu held Ribadu responsible for the successes recorded so far in the fight against terrorism.

The President to Ribadu: “With you we have defeated bandits and terrorists. You’re a gold National Security Adviser. Honest, bold, courageous and committed to the job. I believe the State of Adamawa is strongly proud of you because I am too.

Recall that in the past couple of days, the NSA has been in the news because of  allegations against him by El-Rufai, an estranged close friend and ally of his.

The former Kaduna State Governor had accused Ribadu of ordering, at will, the arrest of innocent Nigerians. He also accused him of being the mastermind behind his recent alleged near-abduction from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on his his return from Cairo, Egypt.

Proof? El-Rufai claimed in an interview with Arise Television that he was told by somebody who listened-in to the NSA’s conversations. This has rightly been interpreted as “wire-tapping” the NSA’s phone, a serious security breach.

Then, he raised the ante by accusing the NSA of importing a toxic chemical, Thallium Sulphate, a colourless and odourless poison which kills slowly, from a dealer in Poland, and sought to know why, and on whose authority and/or clearance.

Ohaneze Ndigbo Cautions Asari Dokubo Against Fanning Ethnic, Religious Crises In Nigeria

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Asari Dokubo

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned what it described as a despicable and desperate move by former Niger Delta  militant leader, Asari Dokubo, to stoke ethnic hate, and sectarian clashes in Rivers state and across the country.

This is as the Rivers State Chapter of the apex socio-cultural organization of Ndigbo vehemently rejected claims suggesting that Igbo residents in Rivers State attacked and destroyed goods and properties belonging to Hausa Muslim Community.

The Source reports that  Dokubo, the Niger Delta militant leader-turned traditional ruler, had in a trending video, accused Igbo residents in Rivers state of attacking Northern Muslims, with a view to turning the State into a battle ground for religious and sectarian clashes.

But in a statement issued on Monday, February 16, 2026, by its Rivers State President, Livingston Wechie, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, while distancing Igbo community in the state from any attacks on the Hausa Muslim residents or any other groups, condemned Dokubo’s incendiary and inflammatory comments .

According to Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dokubo’s unguarded and thoughtless utterances, arising from the unfortunate killing of a Benue Indigene resident in Rivers State by a wheelbarrow pusher, have the potential to undermine the peace and stability of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.

“There is a venomous and inciting video trending online by an ex-agitator Alhaji Asari Dokubo , accusing Igbo of attacking Northern Muslims and planning to turn Rivers state into a battle ground.

“This, according to him, is pursuant to the  “pandemonium” that occurred last Saturday 14th February, 2026 at about 7:00 am at the Fruit Market ,Oil Mill Rumuokwurusi, Port Harcourt, following the gruesome killing of a man identified as Higightor Wenem ,”m” aged 30 years ,from Mbagel Village ,in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue state by a wheelbarrow pusher identified as Zakara Afaaruwu “m” .

“This reaction is made for the sole purpose of guiding the gullible public to nulify Chief Asari’s misleading and malicious statement in the trending video against Ndigbo.

“With profound respect to our belief, Chief Asari Dokubo, Ndigbo are not anarchists, neither are they destroyers as he falsely portrays them.

“There is a massive thriving population of Ndigbo in Northern Nigeria ,and they are doubtlessly the highest population in Rivers state .

“Ndigbo are not insensitive to religious rights of individuals and groups irrespective of their ethnicity or race. Most importantly, there are both Christian Igbos alike, and this is very important.to state”

“The Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command, issued a statement on the matter which faults everything Alhaji Asari Dokubo said”,Wechie stated

The Ohaneze Ndigbo leader wondered why Dokubo could embark on the dangerous mission of distorting the facts  of the unfortunate incident, even after the Rivers police Command had clarified issues.

” The suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody while investigations continue.

“The situation is now under control and monitoring of the area is ongoing . Further developments will be communicated” Wechie quoted the police as saying.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo President, therefore, urged the State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to caution Dokubo against indulging in actions capable of undermining the fragile peace and stability of not just Rivers state ,but the entire country.

This is as he equally called on members of the public to discountenance Dokubo’s incendiary, misleading and mischievous claims ,as they are unfounded and baseless.

Mixed Feelings Trail Hon. Tahir’s Distribution Of Charcoal, Charcoal Irons To Constituents As Empowerment Gifts

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Hon Abubakar Muhammad Tahir Empowerment Gifts

By Akinwale Kasali

As part of his contribution to the development and empowerment of his constituents, Hon. Abubakar Muhammad Tahir, Councillor representing Mayana Ward in Gusau, Zamfara State, has distributed Bags of Charcoal and Charcoal Pressing Irons to residents of his Ward.

The Empowerment Items, according to Hon. Tahir, were distributed to Constituents to support Small-Scale Economic activities within the Community.

The initiative it was gathered, is aimed at enabling beneficiaries to engage in petty trading and other ventures that require Charcoal and Charcoal Irons.

The Items were meant for residents of Mayana Ward in Gusau as part of Hon. Tahir’s outreach to his constituents.

This development has further questioned the genuity of Empowerment Programmes and items distributed to Constituents, as many observers see the said largesse as mere mockery of the public, electorates and constituents by politicians.

It would be recalled that

in May 2024, Senator Rufai Hanga, representing Kano Central Senatorial District, had distributed 5,000 White Pieces of Clothes and Clay Pots to the People of his Constituency as Burial Materials for their loved ones.

The Constituency of the Senator has 15 Local Government Areas in Kano State.

His aide, Dawuud Auwal, had shared a link to a report about the project on his Facebook page, where he showered encomium on the Senator for his foresight, and wrote: “Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah Alhamdulillah”.

This development generated controversy and mixed feelings with questions begging for answers.

He was heavily criticised for such action, with many labeling it as misplaced priorities, in the face of abject poverty and penury in the land.

In March 2024, a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, distributed cooking stoves and other items to constituents in Abia State as part of an empowerment programme.

On April 29, 2022, SaharaReporters reported that Senator Aliyu Wamakko had donated wrappers and cash to indigent women in Sokoto.

Wamakko, a former governor of the State, represents Sokoto North senatorial district.

The donation was described as part of his perennial gestures to the beneficiaries to cushion the effects of poverty as they celebrated the Eid-el-Fitr.

In Year 2020, Hon. Abdullahi Mamudu, who represented Rijau/Magama Federal Constituency of Niger State in the House of Representatives, distributed Wheel Barrows to youths in the constituency as part of an employment programme, according to media reports.

Also in 2018, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, distributed Cutlasses and Hoes to constituents under a youth empowerment initiative, which was covered by local media outlets.

Similarly, former Kano State Governor, and All Progressives Congress, APC, former National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, said he spent N208 million to empower Mai Shayi or Tea Sellers in the State by giving them items like cartons of noodles, crates of eggs, spaghetti, bread, cocoa beverages, liquid and powdered milk, brown and white sugar, nylon and cups.

Distribution of ridiculous items as empowerment gifts to Constituents by Politicians is not new in Nigeria, but Netizens has described the distribution of Charcoal and Charcoal Irons as outrageous and an insult  to the sensibility of Nigerians, urging electorates to stop accepting such ridiculous items for empowerment purposes.

Netizens has however stormed the Social Media to air their views on this development.

@kelvin_Tim, said, all this nonsense can only happen in the North,  am not surprised. This politicians are wicked”.

@Seunroneky, “Our Politicians don’t have conscience, how can you distribute Charcoal and Charcoal Iron and label that empowerment, that is why there is impoverishment and poverty in the North”.

@thelordpriss, “This cannot happen in the South West, he would have been stoned to death. Unreasonable set of jobbers”.

Again, APC Nat. Sec Basiru, Asks Wike To Resign From FEC, Warns Against Interference In APC Affairs

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ajibola Bashir and Nyesom Wike

By Ayodele Oni

National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, are again embroiled in another round of altercations with Basiru telling Wike not to bring the spirit of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize structures in Rivers State.

Basiru told Wike to resign from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, accusing him of undue interference in the ruling party’s internal affairs.

Basiru’s demand followed Wike’s warning earlier on Monday, in which the former Rivers State governor cautioned the APC scribe to “leave Rivers State alone” and refrain from meddling in its politics.

Wike, while addressing supporters during a thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, described Rivers as a “no-go area,” warning that those who interfere “may burn their hands.”

But, responding to the FCT Minister’s warning in a statement issued from Osogbo, Osun State, Senator Basiru fired back, describing Wike’s remarks as a “tirade” and “uncouth.”

“My attention has been drawn to the tirade of the Minister of the FCT against my person and my office as National Secretary of the APC.

“It is shocking that such an innocuous statement could elicit such uncouth responses from no less than a member of the Federal Executive Council.”

The APC National Secretary defended his earlier remarks, insisting he merely reaffirmed that governors, regardless of political differences, deserve respect as leaders of the party in their respective states.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our records indicate  that Minister Nyesom Wike is not a member of our party, the APC. He therefore lacks the locus to dabble into the affairs of our party.

“As National Secretary of the APC, I am imbued with the responsibility to protect the interests of the party and all its members. My activities cannot be confined to my home state, Osun State.”

Basiru also dismissed Wike’s allegation that he and other APC leaders were scrambling for a ₦600 billion “largesse” in Rivers State’s coffers, describing it as “cheap blackmail.”

“My background and track record are of unquestionable integrity. “I challenge him to prove his allegations or we may meet in court.”

The APC chieftain further warned Wike against issuing threats, saying he would not be intimidated.

“Wike is not God and may be overplaying his political card. My faith is in God, and I will not succumb to cheap threats such as the one from him.”

He maintained that Wike’s support for President Tinubu does not make him an APC member.

“Millions of non-APC Nigerians also support the President, and Wike’s case is no different. He cannot bring the spirit of the PDP into the APC or destabilize our structures in Rivers State.”

Basiru stated that Wike must make a choice between serving as a non-party technocrat or interfering in APC matters.

“He cannot be in the Federal Executive Council of an APC government and be causing confusion within our party. The honourable thing to do is to resign his appointment as Minister,” he declared.

DHQ Announces Arrival Of US Military Trainers In Nigeria

By
Ayodele Oni
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US Military Trainers In Nigeria
US Military Trainers In Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

Following Nigeria’s request for military assistance to tackle banditry, about 100 United States, (US) military personnel and associated equipment have arrived at Bauchi Airfield.

Also described as part of ongoing defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja, has announced the arrival of the US military personnel.

In a press release issued on Monday, the DHQ stated that the deployment “forms part of the deliberation during a working group engagement by Nigerian delegation and it’s US counterpart.”

The statement was signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director Defence Information.

According to the statement, the arrival of the US military trainers followed a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government.

The deployment, it said, “is planned and deliberate following a formal request by the Federal Government of Nigeria to the US government to support a clearly defined military training requirement, technical support and intelligence sharing with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

The DHQ explained that the collaboration is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and improving the operational capacity of its troops.

“The collaboration will provide access to specialized technical capabilities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s ability to deter terrorists threats and enhance the protection of vulnerable communities across the country,” the statement said.

It clarified that the US personnel are not combat troops, but are in the country strictly in an advisory capacity.

“The US personnel are technical specialists serving strictly in an advisory and training capacity. They are not combat forces.

“All training activities will be conducted under the authority, direction and control of the Nigerian Government and in close coordination with the Nigerian Armed Forces,” the DHQ stated.

The statement further disclosed that Nigerian troops would begin joint activities with the US advisers as part of the cooperation framework.

“Nigerian troops, alongside these advisers, will commence a series of joint training engagements and intelligence focused cooperation initiatives.

“These activities are designed to enhance the capacity of Nigerian troops to effectively identify and neutralize extremist terrorist groups seeking to destabilize the nation,” it added.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria stressed its resolve to tackle insecurity across the country.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to degrading and defeating terrorist organizations that threaten the country’s sovereignty, national security and the safety of its citizens,”

“The DHQ assures Nigerians of continued transparency and the provision of clear, accurate and timely information regarding the military cooperation efforts.”

ADC To Wike: No Declaration Of War, No Abuse Of Office Can Override The Will Of The Electorate

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The opposition coalition platform, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, on Monday, February 16, 2026, vowed to resist any attempts to subvert the will of the electorate, during the forthcoming Local Council polls in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The ADC’s position is coming against the backdrop of the remarks credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to the effect that only candidates perceived to be loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, irrespective of political party affiliation will scale through the FCT Council polls.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled election to pick officials for the six FCT Local Government Areas for February 21, 2026.

But in a statement on Saturday February 14, 2026, from Lere Olayinka, his spokesperson, Wike declared his unapologetic intention to frustrate the electoral victory of any candidates believed not to  have embraced the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

In doing so, the FCT Minister said he owes no apology to anyone who may feel offended by his stance on the coming elections

“We have the FCT Area Council election coming up on February 21, and I have a duty to support any candidate that supports President Tinubu to win.

“It is also my duty to ensure that any candidate that is not supporting Tinubu does not win in the election and I owe no apology on my stand”, Wike egregiously declared.

Reacting to the development, the ADC, in a statement on Monday from its spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi,  said it considers the FCT Minister’s stance as tantamount to a declaration of war, against  “so-called anti-Tinubu candidates.”

While condemning the threat in its entirety, the ADC warned that such unrestrained rhetorics from the likes of the FCT Minister have the potential to create unnecessary tension and undermine democratic norms and stability.

This is as the party reminded Wike and the All Progressive Congress, APC, as a party that it is only the registered voters, that will determine the outcome of the February 21 local council polls.

The ADC while describing Wike statement as utterly reckless and inflammatory, accused him and his enablers of only trying to harass and intimidate voters ahead of the election.

The ADC, however, affirmed that it will stoutly resist any attempts by the FCT Minister and his political allies to frustrate and subvert the popular will of the people by exploring  all lawful and constitutional means at its disposal.

The party noted that it is not all the same totally surprised at  Wike’s stance, going by the manifest unpopularity of the ruling party among overwhelming majority of Nigerians.

“We consider the Minister’s declaration of war against so called anti-Tinubu candidates not only irresponsible, but dangerous in the current fragile atmosphere of our nation.

“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and deep political distrust, the last thing the country needs is inflammatory rhetorics from those entrusted with public.office.

“Nigeria is not a battlefield for political vendetta; it is a constitutional democracy. The sovereign will rests with the Nigerian people, not with any President ,not with any Minister, and certainly not with those who mistake access to state power for ownership of the nation.

“We remind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressive Congress APC, Wike and all officials of this administration that Nigerians cannot, and will not be intimidated.

“Attempts to threaten or coerce voters into political submission only advertise their fear. They betray Wike, Tinubu, and APC’s anxiety about popular support, and reveal how deeply disconnected, and unpopular this Government has become in the eyes of many citizens.

“If Wike, the APC and its leaders are confident in their performance, they should submit themselves humbly to the verdict of the electorate.

“The ADC will not sit idly by and watch political actors truncate our democracy. Any attempt, over or cover to subvert the will of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders will be firmly resisted through every lawful means at our disposal .

“We are prepared to mobilise democratic institutions, civil society partners, and the Nigerian people themselves in defence of the sanctity of the ballot”, the ADC vowed.

APC Apologises For Listing Serving Supreme Court Judge, Dead Army General As Members

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim
Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim: Is he an APC member?

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The All Progressive Congress APC, Cross River State Chapter, has formally apologised for erroneously listing some prominent non-members and serving public servants among major stakeholders to attend a meeting with the State Governor Bassy Edet Otu.

 

The Source reports that the party had, in a notice of stakeholders meeting scheduled for February 16, ,2026 at the Calabar International Convention Centre, listed a deceased General of the Nigerian Army Edward Unimna, a serving Supreme Court Justice, Honourable Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, a serving Chief Magistrate, David Edogi, among other non party members as participants.

 

Expectedly, the development sparked widespread and defeaning indignations and outrage  across the State, with the listed persons, their families, relations and friends seriously embarrassed.

 

However, in a statement entitled “APC Stakeholders Pre-Congress Meeting With Governor of Cross River State, dated February 15, 2026, and signed by  its spokesperson Emmanuel Edem Inyang, the APC, while admitting the grievous error, withdrew the names of the affected persons.

 

The party also tendered an unreserved apology for the embarrassment the development may have caused them.

 

“The leadership of the APC Cross River State Chapter hereby notifies its members, stakeholders, and the general public that certain names included in the earlier list circulated in connection with the forthcoming stakeholders meeting were published in error, and should, therefore, be disregarded.

 

“Accordingly, the underlisted individuals are hereby formally removed from the list. The party sincerely tenders its unreserved apologies for this oversight and regrets any inconveniences.this may have caused. 

 

The Source further reports that some serving Vice Chancellors who usually serve as returning officers during elections proper were also included in  the list, a situation that caused so much concern within the state’s political circle.

US Discloses Names Of Eight Nigerians Linked To Terrorism, Cybercrime, Seizes Their Assets

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Donald Trump
President Donald Trump

By Akinwale Kasali

The United States has seized the properties and assets of eight Nigerians linked to financing Terrorism and Cybercrime.

The eight Nigerians are accused of links with Islamic sect – Boko Haram and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL.

The United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, accused them of funding terrorism and engaging in financing cybercrime.

The document details Specially Designated Nationals, SDNs, whose property and interests were blocked as part of its counter-terrorism efforts.

The move, according to OFAC, is part of its initiative to expose the suspects and prevent their further damage to the world.

“This publication of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC, is designed as a reference tool providing actual notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons (which term includes both individuals and entities) whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with the various sanctions programmes administered by OFAC,” the agency said.

Some of the listed names are Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, born on August 23, 1990, in Nigeria.

Yusuf was identified as having ties with Boko Haram and carries a Nigerian passport.

Yusuf Adamu was among six Nigerians found guilty in 2022 for setting up a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates to raise funds for Haram fighters in Nigeria.

The six men were convicted then in the UAE of attempting to send $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria.

Another culprit, Babesetan Oluwole Ademulero, was born on March 4, 1953, in Nigeria.

He appeared under several aliases including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso.

Also designated was Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi Known also as Ba Idrisa.

Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi was reported to have been born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno state.

He was flagged under terrorism-related sanctions.

Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, also referred to as Habib Yusuf, was listed with varying birth years between 1990 and 1995.

He was identified as a Boko Haram leader and sanctioned under terrorism provisions.

Khaled/Khalid Al-Barnawi, whose name (Khaled or Khalid) Al-Barnawi) appeared twice in the publication, was born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

He was linked to Boko Haram and carried several aliases including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman.

Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, in Nigeria, was listed with a Nigerian passport.

He was reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was linked to Boko Haram.

Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad Al-Mainuki also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, was born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno state.

He was identified as having ties to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, in Nigeria, was listed under [CYBER2] sanctions. He held a Nigerian passport.

The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list highlights Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats.

The sanctions meant that all property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction were blocked, and US persons were generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Nigerians on the US Treasury sanctions list face asset freeze under Executive Order 13224.

The US officially designated Boko Haram a “foreign terrorist group” in 2013.

According to the State Department, the group is “responsible for numerous attacks in the northern and northeastern regions of the country, as well as in the Lake Chad Basin in Cameroon, Chad and Niger that have killed thousands of people since 2009.

The United States Secretary of State said certain countries had repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.

The concerned countries were designated under three laws: section 1754(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, and Section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

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