FG Declares Simon Ekpa, 16 Others as ‘Terrorism Financiers’

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially designated Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator, alongside 16 other individuals and entities, as terrorism financiers. This decision follows a recommendation from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and was approved by the President.
Nigeria Sanctions Committee Unveils Names on the List
A document obtained from the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) on Thursday outlines the blacklisted individuals and entities, including:
Simon Ekpa
Godstime Promise Iyare
Francis Mmaduabuchi
John Onwumere
Chikwuka Eze
Edwin Chukwuedo
Chinwendu Owoh
Ginika Orji
Awo Uchechukwu
Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali
Ohagwu Juliana
Eze Okpoto
Nwaobi Chimezie
Ogomu Kewe
Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises
Seficuvi Global Company
Lakurawa Group
According to the official document, the NSC convened a high-level meeting on March 6, 2024, where the implicated individuals and organizations were assessed for their alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
The Attorney General of the Federation, with presidential authorization, has directed that the designated individuals and entities be added to Nigeria’s Sanctions List under Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The directive mandates the following actions:
1. Immediate Asset Freezing – All financial institutions must identify and freeze any funds, economic assets, or financial instruments linked to the named individuals and entities without prior notice.
2. Compliance Reporting – Institutions must report all frozen assets to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) for documentation and enforcement.
3. Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) – Affected financial transactions must be flagged and reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further scrutiny.
4. Retrospective Name Matching – Financial entities must screen past and present transactions involving the sanctioned individuals and submit STRs to the NFIU.
The directive extends across all financial institutions, digital payment platforms, and banking networks, requiring immediate compliance and enforcement. Institutions are instructed to freeze all accounts and financial assets linked to the named individuals and organizations, including those held by company signatories and directors.
Furthermore, the NSC has ordered all banks, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies to submit compliance reports via secretariat@nigsac.gov.ng and info@nigsac.gov.ng to ensure full execution of the sanctions regime.