The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed financial institutions in the country to freeze bank accounts of individuals linked to Abdul Rahman Makki, who is accused of financing terrorism.
The apex bank conveyed the directive in a circular to all Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) dated February 2, 2023.
Abdul Rahman Makki was on 16 January 2023, listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as being associated with ISIL or Al-Qaida for “participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating acts” of terrorism.
According to a UN document, Makki is the head of LASHKAR-E-TAYYIBA (LET) political affairs. He served as head of LET’s foreign relations department and member of Shura (governing body).
He is also a member of JUD’s Markazi (Central) Team and Daawati (proselytisation) team. He is brother-in-law of LET Chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (QDi.263).
Makki is wanted by the Indian Government for terrorrism. He and other LET/JUD operatives have been involved in raising funds, recruiting and radicalising youth to violence and planning attacks in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
While the UN alleged that Makki has held leadership positions within LET and JUD, LET have been responsible and involved in the “Red Fort Attack; Rampur Attack and 26/11 Mumbai attack among others”.
