By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of having links to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
The action was disclosed in a document dated February 10 and released by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The sanctions list also includes individuals linked to cybercrime and other security-related offences.
The move follows recent recommendations by the United States Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of religious freedom violations and the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Among those earlier recommended by US lawmakers were former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal.
The sanctions were listed in OFAC’s “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” which names individuals and entities whose assets have been blocked as part of US counter-terrorism and security measures.
According to OFAC, the measures are aimed at preventing sanctioned individuals from accessing funds or engaging in financial transactions within US jurisdiction.
