FG declares Simon Ekpa, 16 others as terrorism financiers, freezes accounts

The Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) has designated Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafra agitator, and 16 entities as terrorism financiers in the country.

The committee, which oversees the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) on financial sanctions, made the announcement after a meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, chairs the committee responsible for tracking and freezing the financial flows of terrorist organizations.

Following the meeting, the NSC released a statement disclosing the names and bank details of 17 individuals and entities added to Nigeria’s sanctions list.

The committee directed all financial institutions to immediately identify and freeze the funds, assets, and economic resources linked to the designated persons and entities, reporting the actions taken to the committee’s secretariat.

The directive also mandates financial institutions to file suspicious transaction reports with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) regarding any financial activities linked to those on the sanctions list.

Among those named is Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ekpa was arrested in Finland in November 2024 for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda on social media. He remains in prison awaiting trial, set to begin in May 2025.

The full list of designated individuals and entities includes:

1. Simon Ekpa Njoku
2. Godstime Promise Iyare
3. Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi
4. John Anayo Onwumere
5. Chikwuka Godwin Eze
6. Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo
7. Chinwendu Joy Owoh
8. Ginika Jane Orji
9. Awo Uchechukwu
10. Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali
11. Ohagwu Nneka Juliana
12. Eze Chibuike Okpoto
13. Nwaobi Henry Chimezie
14. Ogomu Peace Kewe
15. Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises
16. Seficuvi Global Company
17. Lakurawa Group