Nigeria uncovers $7.8M laundered in terrorists' account: Official

By Timothy Olanrewaju

ABUJA, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria has uncovered $7.8 million laundered into terrorists' accounts through a religious sect, according to an official.

The discovery was made while investigating some $33.5 million stolen from Nigeria, Ola Olukayode, head of the country's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed at a dialogue with religious leaders, civil society organizations, and young people in the capital Abuja on Wednesday.

"We investigated the issue of money laundering. Somewhere in this country, there is a particular religious sect that launders money for terrorists," he announced.

He said the sect leader obtained an order from the court restraining the commission from arresting him and recovering the money from him.

The action, according to the anti-graft head, followed an earlier letter sent to the religious leader to appear at the commission office.

In December 2022, Nigeria redesigned its currency notes over security concerns, including reported cases of money laundering into terrorists' and bandits' accounts. ​​​​​​​