Oyo warns that NGOs and crowdfunding platforms are being misused for crime

Oyo State is warning that platforms created to help vulnerable people can also be exploited by criminal networks. Acting Governor Bayo Lawal said crowdfunding campaigns, humanitarian interventions, NGOs and informal financial systems are increasingly being used to raise and move funds for illicit purposes.

Lawal, represented by Secretary to the State Government Musibau Babatunde, spoke at a workshop in Ibadan on emerging threats linked to illicit financial flows. The event focused on awareness, intelligence gathering and institutional responses.

He said the state had intensified cooperation with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to prevent humanitarian funding channels from being diverted to terrorism financing and other criminal activities. He linked the need for stronger safeguards to the changing security situation in southwestern Nigeria, including recent kidnapping incidents.

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

Lawal called for better regulatory frameworks, proper documentation and effective monitoring. He also urged ministries, departments and agencies to improve their understanding of terrorism-financing trends and develop proactive ways to detect and prevent them early.

He proposed dedicated desks within government agencies to support intelligence sharing, monitor suspicious financial activity and ensure rapid responses to emerging security threats. Experts and officials at the workshop exchanged practices for countering terrorism financing, strengthening institutions and protecting legitimate humanitarian assistance from abuse.

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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.