International
US Releases Full List, Identities of Nigerian, Firms Designated as Terrorist Financiers
The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and entities accused of facilitating financial support for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and its West Africa affiliate (ISIS-WA).
The designations, issued on June 22, 2026, focus on a Nigerian national and several Lagos- and Kano-based bureau de change (BDC) firms.
According to the US Treasury, these actions aim to disrupt ISIS’s decentralised financial networks that enable the group to move funds across regions, including West Africa, to support terrorist operations.
Key Designations from the US Sanctions List:
- Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad (also known as Muhammad Mukhtar Adamu or Adamu Mukhtar Muhammad): A Nigerian national born on August 2 or 3, 1990. He resides at No. 45, Abimbola Street, off Capital Road, by Morcas, Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. Designated as an ISIS-WA financial facilitator who has conducted money transfers on behalf of the group. He holds Nigerian passports A11904741 and A07422697.
Associated Entities (Bureau de Change Firms):
- Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited: Based in Lagos, Nigeria. Established January 9, 2019. Registration Number RC 1555604. Owned, controlled, or directed by Muhammad.
- Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited: Located at No. 59 Murtala Mohammed Way, Wapa, Kano, Nigeria. Established January 26, 2021.
- Nine To Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited: Located at Block 7, FAAN Complex, Airport Road by Beesam Bus Stop, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria. Established August 22, 2017. Registration Number RC 1462752.
These entities are accused of acting on behalf of Muhammad to support ISIS-WA activities through money service businesses.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, as amended. As a result, all property and interests in property of the designated persons and entities within US jurisdiction are blocked. US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them, and foreign financial institutions risk secondary sanctions for significant dealings.
This latest action forms part of a broader global effort by the US to target ISIS financial facilitators operating in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Nigerian authorities have been intensifying domestic measures against terrorism financing, including their own sanctions lists on BDCs and individuals.
No immediate official reaction from the Nigerian government or the affected individuals was available as of press time. Affected parties can petition OFAC for removal from the list if they meet delisting criteria.
International
US warning Nigerian visa defaulters
” Whether you’re studying, working, or visiting the United States, always honour the terms of your visa. Follow the rules. Stay only for as long as you are authorized. Keep your documents updated,”
The United States Mission in Nigeria has advised Nigerian travellers to comply fully with the terms of their visas, warning that violations could affect their chances of travelling, studying or working in the country in the future.
The mission gave the advice in a message posted on its official X account under the #VisaWiseTravelSmart campaign, urging visa holders to stay only for the period approved by US immigration authorities.
It said adherence to immigration rules remained important for Nigerians seeking to preserve future opportunities in the United States.“Staying compliant with U.S. immigration laws isn’t just the right thing to do; it protects your future and keeps opportunities open for Nigerian travelers,” the mission said.
The embassy urged visitors, students and workers to keep their travel documents valid, comply with visa conditions and avoid actions that could lead to future ineligibility.
“Whether you’re studying, working, or visiting the United States, always honour the terms of your visa. Follow the rules. Stay only for as long as you are authorized. Keep your documents updated,” the post added.
International
Japan hikes visa fees first time since 1978
The visa fee revisions – the first since 1978 – were made to “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations”, said Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
Japan has implemented a five-fold increase to visa fees for all foreigners, marking the first price hike in nearly 50 years.
From 1 July, single-entry visa fees will be raised from the current 3,000 yen ($18.69; £14) to 15,000 yen, while multi-entry visas will now cost 30,000 yen, up from 6,000 yen.
The visa fee revisions – the first since 1978 – were made to “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations”, said Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
“We do not anticipate that it will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism,” he added.
The Japanese yen has been weakening continually since 2021, and is now hovering near historic 40-year lows.
International
Alan Greenspan, architect of the modern American economy, dies aged 100
For nearly 20 years, Alan Greenspan was charged with safeguarding the US economy and keeping the dollar sound.
Former US Federal Reserve chair Alan Greenspan has died aged 100, his wife has said.
NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell said in a statement reported by her employer that her husband had died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.
Mitchell’s statement said Greenspan was “a giant of a man who helped shape the US economy for decades under presidents of both parties, but was always honest in acknowledging his mistakes”.
For nearly 20 years, Alan Greenspan was charged with safeguarding the US economy and keeping the dollar sound.
As chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1987-2006, a post described as the second most important after the presidency, he presided over the longest sustained period of US economic growth in a generation.
Described as the “God in the machine” of American finance, Greenspan declined all requests for interviews during his time at the Fed.
The media and the money markets hung on his few public statements, and a sign in his office said simply, “the buck starts here”.
-
News2 days agoLAAF Honours Sanwo-Olu, Ohi Odiai, Aproko Doctor, 39 Others For Championing Men’s Wellbeing
-
Business1 day agoNaira Today Rates To Foreign currencies Monday, 22 June 2026
-
Sports14 hours agoLionel Messi becomes FIFA World Cup top goalscorer
-
News1 day agoJAMB Ends Degree Admissions Through Colleges of Education, Makes NCE Mandatory
-
Politics3 days agoBREAKING: INEC Declares APC’s Biodun Oyebanji Winner of 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election
-
Business1 day agoNigeria Customs Service to retire 1,516 officers
-
International1 day agoThree killed in Philippines school shootings
-
Entertainment13 hours agoMichelle hosts Tems at new Obama presidential centre
