WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States government has tightened the noose around international terror financing, officially slapping sanctions on eight Nigerians for their alleged roles in supporting Boko Haram, ISIL, and high-level cybercrime networks.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) released the updated “Specially Designated Nationals” list over the weekend, effectively freezing the American assets of the accused and banning any U.S. citizen or bank from doing business with them.
The “Terror Funders”
Among those hit by the new sanctions are individuals previously linked to a high-profile terror-funding trial in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The list includes:
- Salih Yusuf Adamu and Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, both previously convicted in Abu Dhabi for funneling money to Boko Haram.
- Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (also known as Ba Idrisa) and Khaled Al-Barnawi, both identified as top-tier commanders within the Boko Haram hierarchy.
- Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, cited for his deep connections to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) operations in West Africa.
Cracking Down on “Yahoo-Plus”
In a move that shows the U.S. is also targeting digital threats, Nnamdi Orson Benson was singled out under cyber-related sanctions. While the Treasury did not release the full details of his specific crimes, his inclusion on the list usually points to involvement in massive “Business Email Compromise” (BEC) scams or large-scale identity theft rings that target American infrastructure.
What These Sanctions Mean
Being placed on the “OFAC List” is often described as a “financial death sentence” in the West.
- Asset Freeze:Â Any money, property, or investments these men have in U.S. banks or territories are now seized.
- Banking Ban: Most international banks—even those outside the U.S.—will likely close their accounts to avoid “secondary sanctions” from Washington.
- Travel Restrictions: While separate from a formal visa ban, those on the list find it nearly impossible to book international flights or secure visas to most Western nations.
Wider Pressure on Nigeria
This latest move comes at a sensitive time for Nigeria’s international relations. It follows a recent U.S. State Department update that partially suspended certain visa categories for Nigerians as of January 1, 2026, due to security vetting concerns.
Furthermore, U.S. lawmakers have recently whispered about possible sanctions on other high-profile Nigerian political figures, including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, over separate human rights and security allegations.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official response to the blacklisting of these eight citizens.
Should the Nigerian government extradite those on the list to face trial in the U.S.?
