The federal government has officially designated Simon Ekpa, and 15 other individuals as terrorists financiers.
The government also declared the Lakurawa Sect as a terrorist organization, and a financier of terrorism.
These actions were taken following their alleged involvement in funding, and supporting terrorist activities.
The government’s position was announced, after the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC), an independent body led by the justice minister, recommended the designation.
The chairman of the NSC subsequently, directed the inclusion of Simon Ekpa, and others on the Nigeria sanctions list.
According to the government, the decision was made in line with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Under this provision, all financial institutions, and certain businesses are now required to immediately freeze, without prior notice, all funds and assets linked to the designated individuals and entities.
They must also report any such frozen assets to the secretariat of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee.
Additionally, any financial transactions involving these individuals, must be flagged, and reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The law mandates strict compliance, warning that failure to adhere to these measures could result in both criminal, and civil penalties, as well as reputational risks for financial institutions and businesses.
Simon Ekpa, who was identified as a key financier of terrorism, was born on March 21, 1985. He reportedly facilitated at least 49 fundraisers in different countries between October 2023, and September 2024.
Authorities claim that through his social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), he ordered attacks on government buildings, military bases, and paramilitary posts across South-East.
These attacks reportedly resulted in significant loss of life, including security personnel, and civilians, as well as widespread destruction of government and public property.
Ekpa’s address was listed as Kauppakatu 6 B, Zip: 15140, Lahti, Finland, with international passport number FP2927082. His known contact numbers include +35803555858 and 08063892983.
The government also designated several other individuals as terrorism financiers, based on intelligence reports linking them to the funding of terrorist groups.
Godstime Promise Iyare, born on May 20, 1996, was identified as a key figure in local fundraising activities supporting terrorism.
Authorities traced his involvement through a United Bank for Africa (UBA) account, 2212655102, which was allegedly used to collect funds from supporters in Nigeria.
Security agencies also discovered that his mobile phone number was linked to the National Identity Numbers (NIN) of two other individuals—Chukwuekwu Iyare, and Helen Ugbomor Lovelyn Iyare.
Francis Chukwuedo Mmadubuchi, born on September 27, 1987, was also listed. Investigators reported that his Moniepoint account, 8196060258, received donations from members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
John Anayo Onwumere, born on March 5, 1987, was identified for using a Sterling Bank account, 0026224269, to receive funds from IPOB supporters.
Similarly, Chikwuka Godwin Eze, born on May 5, 1975, was named for operating an Access Bank account, 0108595489, that allegedly served as a collection point for contributions from members of a group identified as Odumegu State Defacto and Urhobo Isoko State Defacto.
Another person listed was Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo, born on May 27, 1983, whose Flutterwave account, 9461730261, was allegedly used to channel funds for terrorist activities.
Chiwendu Joy Owoh, born on February 10, 1982, was accused of helping to organize financial contributions within Nigeria through a Moniepoint account, 6474876289.
Read also: Finnish authorities freeze Simon Ekpa’s assets amid terrorism allegations
Ginika Jane Orji, born on October 5, 1995, was also placed on the sanctions list. Her Opay account, 8039231985, was reportedly used to collect funds from IPOB members in local chapters across Nigeria.
Awo Uchechukwu, born on December 11, 1978, was declared a terrorist financier, and identified as a commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Authorities allege that he received direct funding from Simon Ekpa, to finance the group’s activities. His First Bank account, 3060144916, was cited as a major financial channel.
Other individuals listed include Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali, Ohagwu Nneka Juliana, Eze Chibuike Okpoto, and Nwaobi Henry. Intelligence reports linked their bank accounts in Access Bank, UBA, and other financial institutions to transactions supporting terrorist organizations.
The federal government clarified that the asset-freezing mechanism is a preventive tool designed to disrupt terrorist activities by cutting off financial support.
Financial institutions, and businesses have been warned that failure to comply with these sanctions could lead to legal consequences.
Authorities have instructed banks and other financial service providers to identify, and freeze all assets owned, controlled, or associated with the designated individuals and groups.
This includes funds in accounts owned jointly or indirectly by them, as well as those managed on their behalf by third parties.
Additionally, businesses and institutions must continue to monitor transactions for any links to the sanctioned individuals, and report any findings to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee at info@nigsac.gov.ng.
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to fighting terrorism, and has vowed to take strict action against individuals or entities found supporting terrorist groups through financial means.
