SaharaReporters Alleges 23 Individuals Linked to Suspicious High-Value Transactions | Nigeria News Today
By Enemona Samuel Endurance — The Bureau News
SaharaReporters has published a detailed investigative report alleging that 23 individuals — 20 in Nigeria and three internationally — are linked to substantial financial transactions flagged by authorities as suspicious. The publication states that some of these transactions were associated with convicted persons previously tried in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for terrorism-related offences.
The Bureau News cannot independently verify the allegations and has reproduced the claims strictly as reported by SaharaReporters, in accordance with journalistic standards and legal caution.
Background to the SaharaReporters Investigation | The Bureau News
According to the SaharaReporters report, the findings draw from financial intelligence documents, bank compliance reports, and information from investigators who previously arrested several individuals in 2021. The detainees were reportedly released thereafter, although SaharaReporters states that the circumstances of their release remain unclear.
The individuals listed below are not declared guilty by any Nigerian court, and all references are based solely on SaharaReporters’ publication and publicly available court records from the UAE.
Local Individuals Listed in the SaharaReporters Report | Nigeria News Today
1. Alhaji Saidu Ahmed
SaharaReporters describes him as a businessman from Zaria whose accounts allegedly showed inflows of about N4.8 billion. The publication links him, through financial trails, to individuals convicted in the UAE. No Nigerian court has convicted him of wrongdoing.
2. Usaini Adamu
Identified in the SaharaReporters report as a businessman in Kano with 111 BVN-linked accounts. The publication claims combined inflows and outflows exceeded N90 billion. He has not been convicted in Nigeria.
3. Muhammad Sani Adam
Reported as a trader with 41 linked accounts. SaharaReporters states that the accounts showed inflows of N54.1 billion. No Nigerian conviction exists regarding these allegations.
4. Abubakar Adamu Yellow
SaharaReporters claims he operated 42 accounts with inflows of N61.4 billion. These claims remain unproven in Nigerian courts.
5. Murtala Abdullahi Jega
Described as a BDC operator with links to financial flows involving convicted persons abroad. SaharaReporters reports N60 million in flagged transfers. No Nigerian court ruling confirms guilt.
6. Sadiq Garba Abubakar
Reported to have transferred over N1.6 billion to previously convicted individuals. These assertions remain allegations.
7. Hussaini Adamu
Listed as having multiple financial connections reportedly under review. No charges have been announced publicly.
8. Mustapha Ibrahim Yakubu
SaharaReporters alleges that his accounts recorded transactions tied to logistics for criminal networks. No conviction has been entered in Nigeria.
9. Ali Abdullahi Yusuf
Listed with 43 accounts and alleged transfers involving persons abroad. No Nigerian charges confirmed.
10. Nasiru Shuaibu
Reportedly operating between Gusau and Minna with multibillion-naira transfers. Allegations remain untested in court.
11. Yusuf Ghazali
SaharaReporters states he held 385 linked accounts and was mentioned in UAE court documents. No Nigerian judicial findings yet confirm wrongdoing.
Additional Nigerian Individuals Listed by SaharaReporters
The report further names: Mansur Muhammad Usman, Yazid Usman Muhammad, Alhaji Musa Emma, Modu Sulum, Adamu Aliyu Kanoma, Habibu Muhammad Usama, Nurudeen Gani Aliyu, Ladan Ibrahim, and others, describing each as having large-scale financial activity under review.
The Bureau News emphasizes that none of these individuals have been convicted by Nigerian courts for terrorism financing.
International Individuals Listed in the Report
SaharaReporters names three non-Nigerian individuals whose accounts reportedly intersected with those of Nigerians under review:
1. Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa
A Rwandan businessman who passed away in 2024. SaharaReporters reports that he had large multi-bank transactions and business operations connected to persons abroad previously convicted in the UAE.
2. Paul Nkwaya
Described as the son of the late Ayabatwa and linked to a jointly owned business. The publication cites financial intersections but no conviction in Nigeria.
3. Aboubacar Hima
Identified as a Nigerien businessman. SaharaReporters states he is under investigation by Nigerian authorities for unrelated allegations involving arms deals. No conviction has been recorded at this time.
Legal and Security Context | The Bureau News
The allegations surfaced amid heightened global scrutiny of financial flows into conflict zones. Nigeria has increased its collaboration with international agencies to track suspicious transactions.
The Bureau News will continue to monitor the situation and report verified updates as more official information becomes available.