Oyo raises the alarm over misuse of NGOs, crowdfunding for criminal activities

The Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, on Tuesday, reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property by strengthening collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde, Lawal made this declaration at a capacity-building workshop on awareness, intelligence gathering, and institutional response to emerging threats linked to illicit financial flows.

The workshop, according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, held at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.

He emphasized that the government had intensified partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to prevent the exploitation of humanitarian funding platforms and other financial channels for terrorism financing and criminal activities.

He noted that the evolving security situation in the South-West, particularly recent incidents of kidnapping, underscores the need for stakeholders to adopt stronger measures against unconventional threats.

According to him, “Criminal networks are increasingly deploying sophisticated methods to raise and move funds, including misuse of crowdfunding platforms, humanitarian interventions, NGOs, and informal financial systems.

“While humanitarian assistance remains critical to supporting vulnerable communities, there is a need for improved regulatory frameworks, proper documentation, and effective monitoring to ensure such platforms are not hijacked by individuals or groups with criminal intentions.

“Strengthening financial intelligence and enhancing coordination among government agencies will be pivotal in disrupting criminal networks.”

The acting governor, therefore, urged participants from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to deepen their understanding of terrorism financing trends and develop proactive strategies for early detection and prevention.

He also called for the establishment of dedicated desks in MDAs to facilitate intelligence sharing, monitor suspicious financial activities, and ensure prompt responses to emerging security challenges.

The workshop provided a platform for experts and stakeholders to exchange best practices in countering terrorism financing, strengthening institutional capacity, and protecting legitimate humanitarian interventions from abuse.

In attendance were the Commissioner for Energy, Prof Dahud Shangodoyin; Commissioner for Investment, Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Prof Solihu Adelabu; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Arch Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; permanent secretaries, directors, and other top government officials.