The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained that the Federal Government has yet to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers because the matter requires thorough, complex, and sensitive investigations that cannot be rushed.
Speaking in an interview on Friday, Idris dismissed claims that the delay stemmed from a lack of political will, emphasizing that the process involves more than simply compiling a list and immediately taking suspects to court.
His remarks come amid renewed public frustration over perceived government inaction as insecurity worsens across the country.
For years, Nigerians have called for the prosecution of individuals accused of funding Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandit groups operating primarily in the North.
Under former President Muhammadu Buhari, officials had announced that several terrorism financiers had been identified, raising expectations for imminent trials.
However, no major prosecutions have taken place, prompting criticism from civil society groups and security experts, who say the delay undermines public trust in government efforts.
Idris said, “It is not a question of having the list or not having the list; it is not as simplistic as that. Investigations have to be conducted. In some cases, there is merit in what people have said.
“You don’t say, ‘because pronouncements have been made, let me take you to court directly.’ There must be sufficient investigation. Unfortunately, when you are fighting these kinds of battles, it is not something you sort out in a day or two.”
The minister added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is “working assiduously” to combat terrorism and other security threats, highlighting progress made since May 2023.
“Sometimes we forget the successes we have recorded. From May 2023 to date, over 13,500 of these criminals have been neutralised. Over 17,000 have been apprehended. Some are already being prosecuted and sentenced. We should recognise these efforts,” he said.
