CBN To Banks: Fish Out Boko Haram Accounts Now

Following the decision of the federal government to declare Boko Haram and its cohorts as enemies of the state and terrorists, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has asked banks in the country to fish out any bank accounts that are traceable to the group.

In a circular sent to all the banks yesterday, the CBN asked banks to cross-check their database for the names “Jamaatu Ahis-Sunna Liddaawti Wal Jihad” which is otherwise known as Boko Haram as well as “Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan”.

The circular, which was signed by the acting director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department of the CBN, Nwaoha I.T, said “the federal government of Nigeria in its effort to stem terrorism in the country has proscribed the activities of Jamaatu Ahis-Sunna Liddaawti Wal Jihad otherwise known as Boko Haram sect and Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan in any part of the country. Their activities are consequently declared as terrorism and illegal.

“All banks and other financial institutions (OFIs) are by this letter required to check their database for the names ‘Jamaatu Ahis-Sunna Liddaawti Wal Jihad’ otherwise known as Boko Haram sect and ‘Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan’ as well as their associates and to report the same to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Where no accounts or business relationship are maintained for any proscribed names, other associates, a nil return should be rendered”.

The federal government had in its May 24, 2013 Gazette declared the activities of the two groups as acts of terrorism and proscribing  their activities and restraining any group or person from relating with them.