CBN warns banks against terrorism-related transactions, updates blacklist

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed commercial banks and other financial institutions (OFIs) under its regulation and payment service providers to search through their database in search of any transaction that could be tied to a wanted terrorist.

The apex bank in a circular signed by the Director, of Financial Policy and Regulation Department, CBN, Harry Audu, stated that one Abdul Rehman Makki should be added to the ISIL and Al-Qaida sanction list.

The circular stated: “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).”