Chukwu Obinna 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency warns that criminals are exploiting digital tools, including artificial intelligence and social media, to fund terrorism and expand illicit networks.
Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, Musa Aliyu, raises the alarm at an anti-money laundering forum in Abuja on Tuesday. He says cyber-enabled crimes are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.
“They radicalise and fund extremist networks through anonymous online channels,” Aliyu states, highlighting the growing threat posed by digital anonymity.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit underscores the link between illicit financial flows and organised crime, human trafficking, and extremism.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi says the crimes are increasingly transnational and require coordinated responses. “These challenges demand proactive collaboration across institutions,” he notes.
Despite the risks, officials emphasise that technology can also strengthen enforcement through advanced analytics and real-time monitoring systems.
GIABA Country Director Timothy Melaye urges the media to play an active role. “The media must not be used to shield financial criminals,” he warns.
Authorities say tackling digital financial crime will require cooperation between government, institutions, and the public.
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Korede Abdullah 
