The sanctions was detailed in a 3,000-page document released on February 10 by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
According to the documents, more than 20 Nigerians and organisations were listed under various sanctions programmes, including terrorism- related and cybercrime regulations.

The sanction means all property and interests of these individuals and entities within US jurisdiction are blocked under Executive Order 13224, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Nigerians Currently Sanctioned by the US
Khalid al‑Barnawi


Also known as: AL-BARNAWI, Khaled; BARNAWI, Khalid; EL-BARNAOUI, Khaled; HAFSAT, Abu; USMAN, Mohammed
Date of birth: 1976
Place of birth: Maiduguri, Nigeria
Offence/Program: Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) — linked to Boko Haram/terrorism
Abubakar Shekau


Also known as: BIN MOHAMMED, Abu Mohammed Abubakar; BI MUHAMMED, Abu Muhammed Abubakar; SHEHU; SHAYKU; SHEKAU
Date of birth: 1969
Place of birth: Shekau Village, Yobe State, Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — leader associated with Boko Haram
Abu Musab al‑Barnawi

Also known as: YUSUF, Habib
Date of birth: 1991 (multiple alternate DOBs listed by OFAC)
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — Boko Haram affiliate/leader
Abu Bakr al‑Mainuki


Also known as: AL-MINUKI, Abu-Bilal; MAINOK, Abor; MAINOK, Abubakar
Date of birth: 1982
Place of birth: Mainok, Benisheikh, Borno State, Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to ISIL
Salihu Yusuf Adamu


Also known as: ADAMU, Salih Yusuf
Date of birth: 23 Aug 1990
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram

Surajo Abubakar Muhammad


Also known as: MUHAMMAD, Surajo Abu Bakr
Date of birth: 3 Jul 1979
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to ISIL

Salihu Yusuf Adamu


Also known as: ADAMU, Salih Yusuf
Date of birth: 23 Aug 1990
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram
Surajo Abubakar Muhammad


Also known as: MUHAMMAD, Surajo Abu Bakr
Date of birth: 3 Jul 1979
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram

Abdurrahman Ado Musa


Also known as: MUSA, Abdurrahman Ado
Date of birth: 23 Apr 1984
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram
Bashir Ali Yusuf
Date of birth: 7 Aug 1984
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram

Ibrahim Ali Alhassan
Date of birth: 31 Jan 1981
Place of birth: Nigeria; current location: Abu Dhabi
Offence/Program: SDGT — linked to Boko Haram

Nnamdi Orson Benson


Date of birth: 21 Mar 1987
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Abiola Ayorinde Kayode

Date of birth: 14 Nov 1987
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin


Date of birth: 23 Feb 1983
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Felix Osilama Okpoh


Date of birth: 9 Mar 1989
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Micheal Olorunyomi


Date of birth: 12 May 1983
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh


Date of birth: 29 Apr 1986
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: OFAC cyber designation (CYBER2)
Ali Abbas Usman Jega


Also known as: JEGA, Ali Abbas Usman; HASSAN, Ali Abbas Othman; JEGA, Abbas
Date of birth: 1965
Address: Abuja, Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDGT
Abeni O. Ogungbuyi


Also known as: BABESTAN, Abeni O.; SHOFESO, Olatutu Temitope
Date of birth: 30 Jun 1952
Place of birth: Nigeria
Offence/Program: SDNTK
Organisations Currently Sanctioned by the US (Nigeria-Based)
Boko Haram


Also known as: JAMA’ATU AHLIS-SUNNAH LIDDA’AWATI WAL-JIHAD; Nigerian Taliban
Offence/Program: Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and SDGT — terrorism
Ansaru
Also known as: ANSARUL MUSLIMINA FI BILADIS SUDAN; Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa
Offence/Program: FTO and SDGT — terrorism

Amigo Supermarket Limited, Kafak Enterprises Limited, Wonderland Amusement Park and Resort LtdProgram: SDGT — linked to individuals designated by OFAC

Organisations with alleged Nigerian affiliations:

Aurum Ship Management FZC
Program: SDGT — linked to designated individuals

ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA)
Program: FTO and SDGT — terrorism

Jammal Trust Bank S.A.L.
Program: SDGT — linked to Hizballah

According to OFAC, the list serves as a reference tool, providing notice of actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals, whose property and interests are blocked as part of its counter-terrorism efforts.
“This publication of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC, is designed as a reference tool providing actual notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons (which term includes both individuals and entities) whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with the various sanctions programmes administered by OFAC,” the agency said.
The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list underscores Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats.
The pronouncement comes on the heels of recent recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria; and Miyetti Allah Kautal were recommended by United States lawmakers for visa bans and asset freezes.
In October 2025, for the second time, US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would be added to the Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list for religious freedom, alleging persecution of Christians by Muslims. Nigeria was first designated in 2020 under Trump but was removed by President Joe Biden shortly after assuming office.

Source: Punch

Delivering his Bishop’s Charge at the Second Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Emevor, Isoko North LGA, the bishop lamented that insecurity in the country has become so rampant that even children can now speak about it casually—likening it to a nursery rhyme.

“The more we talk about insecurity, the worse it seems to get,” he said. “It’s tempting to think the situation has overwhelmed our security agencies. If not, then we urge all relevant authorities to demonstrate the political will and courage needed to defeat this monster.”

Bishop Aruakpor highlighted that persistent attacks by criminals have left many farmers too afraid to return to their fields, leading to a national food crisis. He decried the continued killings, maiming, rapes, and forced displacement of citizens from their ancestral lands.

Turning to the issue of flooding, the bishop called on the Federal Government to seek lasting solutions to the recurring disaster. He suggested that dredging the Rivers Niger and Benue could help mitigate the effects of seasonal floods.

“With the rains approaching, fear is mounting among coastal communities, particularly in the Niger Delta. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mokwa, Niger State, who recently suffered the devastating impact of flooding,” he added.

He also urged the government to find a way to regulate the release of water from dams, which often contributes to annual flooding and significant losses in affected areas.

On a positive note, Bishop Aruakpor congratulated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on his second anniversary in office. He praised the administration for its achievements within a short time, particularly the reduction in the state’s debt profile and progress on major projects like the Ughelli-Asaba road dualisation, the School of Health Technology in Ovrode, the College of Medical Sciences in Ozoro, and the ongoing transformation of Warri and its environs.

“We commend your efforts in ensuring quality job delivery through direct supervision and your hands-on approach to governance,” the bishop noted.

Governor Mbah exercised this power under Section 212 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to grant the pardon.

The decision was based on recommendations from the Enugu State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which comprises representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP).

The inmates were formally handed over to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kingsley Udeh, by the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Victor Udeh.

Those who benefited from the pardon are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, Ngene Oluebube, Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.

According to the government, these individuals demonstrated positive behavioral changes and acquired new skills while incarcerated, making them ready to reintegrate and contribute to society. The release is intended to support their full reintegration and ease the burden on the prison system.

According to a statement from the Governor’s Office released on Sunday, June 22, 2025, the suspension is a direct consequence of the EFCC’s investigation and the gravity of the accusations. The anti-graft agency confirmed that Aondona was apprehended in Makurdi after several female students lodged formal complaints.

The petitioners accused the adviser of luring them with promises of ushering jobs, only to demand sexual favours in return. It was further alleged that he secretly recorded explicit encounters and used the footage to threaten and intimidate the victims.

The statement from the governor emphasized that Aondona must now face the legal process, adding that the administration will not shield any official involved in criminal or unethical behaviour.

“This decision reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to integrity, discipline, and accountability in public service,” the statement noted. “Any official found guilty of misconduct will face the full weight of the law.”

Governor Alia also reaffirmed that justice would be pursued without interference, stressing that any act that undermines public trust or tarnishes the image of the government will not be tolerated.

The state government further reiterated its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, particularly women and vulnerable groups. “The Government of Benue State remains committed to working with law enforcement to ensure justice is served and victims are protected,” the statement added.

The EFCC has confirmed that Aondona will be formally charged in court soon.

During a stakeholder meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Makurdi on Wednesday, the paramount ruler condemned what he called a “misinformation-driven narrative” that has led to flawed interpretations of the conflict.

“Your Excellency, what we are facing is not herders-farmers clashes, not communal fights, not reprisals. These are misleading terms that downplay the real threat,” Ayatse said.

He explained that the violence in Benue is part of a sustained, systematic invasion by armed herders and bandits whose goal is to forcibly displace indigenous communities and take over their land.

“What is happening is a calculated, well-executed, full-blown genocidal and land-grabbing operation that has lasted for decades and continues to worsen,” the royal father stated.

Ayatse warned that unless the crisis is correctly identified, finding meaningful and lasting solutions would remain elusive. “A wrong diagnosis always leads to the wrong treatment,” he said. “This is far beyond issues of peaceful coexistence—it is a war that must be addressed as such.”

President Tinubu’s visit comes in the wake of renewed violence in the state, where over 160 people have been killed in recent weeks. His administration has been urged to respond swiftly and decisively to the worsening security situation.

Justice Yusuf Halilu, who presided over the case on Monday, ruled in favour of the bail application after Emefiele pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges center on a large housing estate located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, comprising 753 units over 150,462.86 square meters.

Although the EFCC did not oppose the bail request filed by Emefiele’s counsel, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), the prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) asked the court to strike out some sections of the application—an objection the court upheld.

In his ruling, Justice Halilu noted that bail is a constitutional right and emphasized Emefiele’s previous compliance with bail conditions in other cases. He ordered that Emefiele must present two sureties who are Abuja residents and own properties valued at ₦2 billion within Asokoro, Maitama, or Wuse II. The sureties must also undertake to produce him in court throughout the trial.

The judge further warned that failure to meet the bail conditions by Wednesday, June 18, would result in Emefiele being remanded. The matter was adjourned to July 11 for further proceedings.

The charge, marked CR/358/2025, accuses Emefiele and a co-defendant, Ocheme (currently at large), of unlawful possession and control of property and large sums of money, allegedly held in proxy accounts with Zenith Bank. These include:

• ₦167 million and ₦1.23 billion in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account,
• ₦2.9 billion and ₦1.98 billion in the same account between January and December 2022,
• ₦900 million and ₦600 million in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account.

Additionally, Emefiele is charged with forging an “Irrevocable Power of Attorney” in January 2021 to misrepresent a document as being authorized by H and Y Business Global Limited.

The EFCC alleges the offences violate sections 319, 362, and 364 of the Penal Code.

But after the applause and celebrations, the question remains: what next, dear father? Scripture teaches that fatherhood is not a title for a day, but a calling for life, one rooted in God’s design and sustained by His grace. As it is written, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him” (Proverbs 20:7). The journey does not end with recognition; it deepens in responsibility.

Firstly, the father must continue to grow as a spiritual leader. A father is not merely the provider of bread, but also of the Word. In Deuteronomy 6:6–7, God commands fathers to diligently teach His statutes to their children, to speak of them at home, on the road, and even at rest. This means the work of godly fatherhood is daily and intentional. After Father’s Day, the real test begins: will you lead your home like Joshua, who declared, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15)?

Secondly, fathers are called to love sacrificially. In Ephesians 5:25, husbands and fathers are instructed to love their families as Christ loved the Church, with sacrificial, servant-hearted love. This love goes beyond discipline or provision; it nurtures, listens, forgives, and leads by example. After the cards and prayers of Father’s Day, this Christlike love must become visible in the daily choices, in the humility of service, and in the grace shown within the family unit.

Furthermore, the father must remain steadfast in prayer. After Father’s Day, intercession should deepen. Job rose early to offer sacrifices for his children, saying, “It may be that my sons have sinned” (Job 1:5). Likewise, the godly father must stand in the gap for his family, interceding for their salvation, protection, and growth in Christ. A praying father builds an altar in his home, one not made of stone, but of faith and commitment to God.

Finally, after Father’s Day, the father must persevere in hope and righteousness. Fatherhood is not without challenges, financial strain, emotional fatigue, and even rejection. Yet Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” The applause may fade, but God’s eyes remain upon the faithful father. Your consistency in Christ, your walk of integrity, and your love in action are seeds that shall bear eternal fruit.

So, dear father, after the celebration, embrace the consecration. The world needs more than a celebrated father, it needs a consecrated one. Let the legacy of Father’s Day become a lifestyle of faithful, godly fatherhood.

The LORD be with you.

Gershinen Paul Dajur

Dr. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, shared this information during a press briefing in Abuja. She recently confirmed that her office has already successfully transitioned to a completely paperless environment, setting a precedent for other government agencies.

According to her, the current focus is to ensure that all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) across the federation follow suit, embedding digital processes as the standard for all administrative functions.

This systematic rollout is gaining momentum, with the Federal Ministry of Health notably becoming the eleventh ministry to implement its digital system.

To facilitate this nationwide digital change, the government is engaging with development partners. These collaborations are crucial for securing the necessary financial backing in areas where additional funding or special assistance may be required to overcome implementation challenges.

Dr. Walson-Jack, accompanied by 20 Heads of Service from various Nigerian states, recently embarked on a study tour to Singapore. This strategic visit, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed to provide invaluable insights into Singapore’s highly efficient and digitally advanced public service model.

The lessons learned from this international exposure are expected to significantly inform and enhance Nigeria’s own digital transformation strategies.

In a statement issued on Thursday by its legal representatives, Nojim Tairu & Co., the church accused certain Lagos State agencies of demolishing its properties without following due process.

According to the statement, branches of the church located in Yaba, Olorunishola, and Lawanson were brought down by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Surulere Local Government respectively.

The church described the demolitions as part of a disturbing pattern of hostility and systemic harassment.

“Deeper Life Bible Church, a longstanding institution known for its faith-based and community-driven efforts across Lagos and beyond, strongly condemns the unjust and unwarranted actions by Lagos State Government agencies, which appear to have systematically targeted our properties,” the statement read.

It further stated that in recent months, the church has experienced repeated threats, harassment, and restrictions on its places of worship and community centers, actions the church believes violate religious freedom, property rights, and due process.

The church called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to launch an urgent investigation into the matter, noting that Deeper Life has consistently upheld the law and contributed positively to societal peace and unity.

Appealing for public support, the church urged citizens, religious bodies, human rights organizations, and the international community to stand in solidarity against what it described as religious oppression and violation of property rights.

“As a church committed to spiritual guidance, humanitarian work, and community empowerment, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of peace, justice, and truth. We will not be silenced or intimidated by unjust actions,” the statement said.
“We are prepared to explore every legal option to defend our rights and ensure that Deeper Life Bible Church remains a beacon of hope and faith.”

In response, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, denied any targeted action against the church. He emphasized that the state government has no hostility towards Deeper Life and is currently investigating the incident.

“The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has no animosity towards the Deeper Life Church. In fact, we have a cordial relationship with them,” Omotoso said.

He clarified that the demolition involving LAMATA was part of rail development projects, for which compensation is usually provided, and that the specific case concerning Deeper Life was handled by a local government authority.

“We are aware of the issue and are treating it seriously. The Governor’s Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters has opened dialogue with the church. We are committed to ensuring fairness and non-discrimination in all our dealings,” Omotoso added.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

In his message to Nigerians, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the significance of June 12 in the nation’s democratic journey, describing it as a day that represents the collective pursuit of truth, justice, peace, and a hopeful future.

“June 12 stands as a testament to our resolve in building a just and united nation,” he said. “These 26 years reflect the strength, resilience, and courage of our people, and a hope that continues to be renewed.”

He further emphasized that democracy remains a dynamic system, open to growth and progress, and reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to democratic ideals rooted in the freely expressed will of the people across all spheres of national life.