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Money Laundering: Stakeholders Seek Strategies for Nigeria’s Removal from FATF Grey List

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Money Laundering: Stakeholders Seek Strategies for Nigeria’s Removal from FATF Grey List

By: Michael Mike

Stakeholders on Thursday advocated improved capacity for law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute money laundering and terrorism financing cases in Nigeria.

The participants at the dialogue on strengthening Nigeria’s anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism framework engagement on Nigeria’s FATF delisting, also demanded effective strategies that could lead to the removal of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

The FATF greylisted Nigeria in February 2023, and the country again failed to scale a review carried out by the global financial intelligence agency at its plenary, in November of the same year.

The participants were drawn from the Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the University of Warwick and the University of Lancaster.

The programme which was held in Abuja, was hosted by the African Centre for Governance, Assets Recovery and Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Global South Dialogue on Economic Crime, the University of Warwick, the University of Lancaster and the Economic and Social Research Council, among others.

An assistant professor at the University of Warwick Law School, Dr. Joy Malala, noted the greylisting of several African countries by the FATF and proposed that “a shared approach to mitigating the risk of listing needed to be documented.”

Malala stated, “So, part of our aim is to do a NEEDS assessment and try to understand the challenges that many of the government agencies face; whether it’s data management, whether it’s interagency collaboration, communication and what they do with that data as well.

‘’We are also interested in many of the judicial actors, trying to understand how the prosecution works, taking these cases forward to the courts, how the courts adjudicate them, and trying to see how police interact with Customs, interact with other agencies, to better understand the needs of Nigeria.

She explained that money laundering is not a nation-specific crime, emphasising its cross-border, transnational nature, adding that a better coalition would, in fact, limit and constrain how illicit finances flow.

‘’It would better constrain how money flows within these networks, these organised crime networks. So, we are hoping to expand it to other countries, but the focus of this project is strictly on Nigeria as a case study,” she clarified.

Also speaking, Dr Nkechi Azinge-Egbiri of the University of Lancaster said the participants at the dialogue who included stakeholders from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Directorate of State Services would rub minds and strategise against the challenges in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

“We want to ask and find out what the challenges are, to benchmark their capacity, and to see how we can aid in strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, which is very crucial and would contribute to Nigeria’s ability to also attain SDG 16, which is about reducing illicit financial flows within the country, and outside the country,” she said.

The Executive Director of the African Centre for Governance, Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, said the centre was collaborating with the Federal Government under the International Coordination Review Group, to ensure Nigeria’s delisting from the FATF grey list.

She listed the outstanding issues to include prosecution, investigation, intelligence gathering, and managing data related to terrorism financing cases.

The former NFIU director noted, “Well, today, we are essentially looking at how to improve our systems, whether we’re talking about investigation, prosecution, or in terms of gathering intelligence that will support the investigation.

‘’One of the challenges relates to the investigation of terrorism cases as opposed to any other crime, and also to make sure that when we do that, every law enforcement agency that is involved has the intelligence to do their work, has the capacity to then investigate and then prosecute.’’

Money Laundering: Stakeholders Seek Strategies for Nigeria’s Removal from FATF Grey List

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.

On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.

The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.

Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.

One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.

No military equipment was lost during the operation.

Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.

Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.

Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.

🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence

In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.

The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.

According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.

Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.

🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction

A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.

She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.

🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed

AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.

🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm

In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.

According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.

The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.

The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.

🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial

Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.

Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.

Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.

The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.

Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.

The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.

They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.

Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno

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