EFCC tasks NGOs on due diligence against terrorism financing

The Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has advised Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to ensure due diligence on individuals and organisations they associate with to avoid terrorism financing.

The anti-graft agency gave the advice yesterday in Lagos at a sensitisation workshop on risk assessment of NGOs in Nigeria.

Deputy Director, SCUML, Ibinabo Amachree, noted that the regional consultation with NGOs on terrorism financing had taken place in Maiduguri, Borno State, for North East, last week. She added that after the South West, the commission would proceed to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for South South, then Ilorin and Kaduna for North Central.

Executive Director, Spaces for Change (S4C), Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, lauded EFCC’s regional consultation, adding: “This is the first time the commission is meeting stakeholders at their doorsteps.”

Terrorism financing means any service rendered, even unintentional, to encourage terrorism, including almsgiving, she quoted.

The Prosecutor, Federal Ministry of Justice, Aderonke Emana, noted that individuals or organisations could be charged for aiding and abetting the furtherance of terrorism by what they do, even occasionally.

Noting that ignorance of the law is not an excuse, she warned NPOs to vet their associates and donors.

On the difficulties encountered by stakeholders while trying to register with SCUML, Amachree said the agency had planned to invest more on public enlightenment across the country using billboards, fliers and other avenues to guide registrants.

“We also do infographics, all at no fee. We don’t charge money due to money laundering and terrorism financing,” she said.

The registration process is not as difficult as perceived, she said, urging registrants to find out why any registration is rejected.