CBN Releases Name of Wanted Terrorist, Cautions Banks Against Terrorism-Related Transactions

CBN Releases Name of Wanted Terrorist, Cautions Banks Against Terrorism-Related Transactions

  • Banks in Nigeria have been instructed not to carry out transactions for those deemed to be terrorists
  • The Central Bank of Nigeria issued the caution alerting banks and other financial institutions to be on the look out for Abdul Rehman Makki
  • The CBN has repeatedly stated its commitment to combat financial terrorism and has issued a number of circulars to ensure banks comply

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed commercial banks, and other financial institutions(OFIs) under its regulation to search for Abdul Rehman Makki.

According to the apex bank, Makki is a wanted terrorist therefore no transaction tied to his name should be allowed.

The apex bank gave this instruction in a circular signed by the Director, of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, CBN, Harry Audu.

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CBN banks terrorist
CBN restates its determination to fight terrorism. Photo credit: Pius Utomi Ekpei
Source: Getty Images

The circular also stated that Abdul Rehman Makki should be added to the ISIL and Al-Qaida sanction list.

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The circular reads:

“The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), had on January 16, 2023 listed Abdul Rehman Makki as being associated with ISIL or Al-Qaida and has accordingly been added to the ISIL (Da’esh) & Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities that are subject to assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo as set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2610 (2021).”

CBN warns banks against terrorism-related transaction

In order to prevent carrying out transactions connected to terrorism, the CBN also advised banks to regularly consult names on the list of sanctions.

CBN stated:

"Further to the provisions of Section 6 of the CBN AML/CFT Regulations, 2022 and Section 4.3 of the CBN Guidelines on Targeted Financial Sanctions Related to Terrorism and Terrorism Financing, 2022, all financial institutions are required to immediately screen their customer database for business relationships with the designated individual, file a report to the NFIU, and update their sanctions screening list to reflect the most recent UNSC changes. The prompt cooperation of all financial institutions is required."

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Who is Abdul Rehman Makki

Makki is the head of LASHKAR-E-TAYYIBA (LET) political affairs. He served as head of LET’s foreign relations department and member of Shura (governing body).

He is also a member of JUD’s Markazi (Central) Team and Daawati (proselytization) team. He is brother-in-law of LET Chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed. Abdul Rehman Makki is wanted by the Indian Government.  

The UN listed Makki on 16 January 2023 pursuant to paragraphs 2 and 4 of resolution 2368 (2017) as being associated with ISIL or Al-Qaida for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities.

CBN to expose hidden accounts, business owners

Meanwhile, in another report, the Nigerian Central Bank has issued new guidelines to banks and other financial institutions

The policy is aimed at combating terrorism funding as well as identifying people who run bank accounts on behalf of others

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The CBN has expressed its intention to decrease terrorist funding through the financial system, and it believes that the instructions issued would help

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.