FG Warns Landlords Against Renting Properties to Terrorists, Threatens 20-Year Jail Term

The Federal Government has warned property owners against renting out their buildings to terrorists, declaring that landlords found guilty of providing accommodation to terrorist groups or their members could face prosecution under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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The warning was issued in Abuja on Tuesday by Mijinyawa Zakari, a Director in the Legal Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), during a briefing on the outcome of the 11th phase of terrorism trials. Zakari explained that the law criminalises not only direct acts of terrorism but also activities that provide support, assistance or preparation for terrorist operations.

According to him, Sections 11 to 33 of the Act outline various terrorism-related offences, including preparatory meetings with terrorist groups and other forms of collaboration. He stressed that individuals do not necessarily have to participate directly in violent attacks before they can be held criminally responsible for supporting terrorist activities. “Renting your property to a terrorist is also an offence,” he warned.

Zakari further disclosed that anyone convicted of supporting terrorism could face a minimum of 20 years’ imprisonment. He also cautioned businesses against receiving or handling funds linked to terrorist organisations, explaining that companies involved could face fines of ₦200 million, prosecution of their owners and possible winding-up, regardless of whether the money was eventually used to finance an attack.

The NSA’s legal officer said the Federal Government was strengthening its investigative capacity to identify and prosecute individuals, businesses and organisations involved in financing, accommodating or otherwise supporting terrorism. He urged property owners, business operators, the media and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the law, stressing that greater public awareness and cooperation were necessary to tackle terrorism and its financial support networks in Nigeria.