FG Declares Simon Ekpa, 15 Others as Terrorism Financiers, Orders Asset Freeze

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially designated Simon Ekpa and 15 other individuals as terrorism financiers, ordering an immediate freeze of their assets and financial transactions. The Lakurawa Sect has also been declared a terrorist organization and placed on the government’s sanctions list.

This announcement, made on Thursday, March 6, 2025, followed recommendations from the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC), an independent body led by the Attorney General of the Federation. The NSC Chairman directed that Simon Ekpa Njoku and others be added to the Nigeria Sanctions List, citing their alleged involvement in financing and coordinating terrorist activities.

According to government intelligence, Ekpa, born on March 21, 1985, allegedly facilitated at least 49 fundraising campaigns across different countries between October 2023 and September 2024 to fund terrorism-related activities. Authorities claim he used his social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to order attacks on government buildings, military bases, and security formations in southeastern Nigeria, leading to mass casualties and destruction of public property.

His known address was listed as Kauppakatu 6 B, Zip: 15140, Lahti, Finland, with an international passport number FP2927082 and phone numbers +35803555858 and 08063892983.

The government also named several individuals allegedly involved in the financial network supporting terrorism, with specific bank accounts flagged for receiving and distributing funds for insurgent activities.

Some of the key individuals designated include:

Godstime Promise Iyare (Born: May 20, 1996) – Identified as a key local fundraiser, using a UBA account (2212655102) to collect funds.

Francis Chukwuedo Mmadubuchi (Born: Sept. 27, 1987) – Allegedly received IPOB donations through Moniepoint (8196060258).

John Anayo Onwumere (Born: March 5, 1987) – Accused of using a Sterling Bank account (0026224269) to funnel money from IPOB supporters.

Chikwuka Godwin Eze (Born: May 5, 1975) – Flagged for operating an Access Bank account (0108595489) linked to Odumegu State Defacto.

Awo Uchechukwu (Born: Dec. 11, 1978) – Identified as a commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), allegedly receiving direct funding from Simon Ekpa via First Bank (3060144916).

Recommended News:

• Senate Suspends Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan For Six Months Over Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Akpabio
• Oyeleke Folajuwon Oluwole Seeks Royal Blessings From Akarigbo For House of Reps Mandate
• Ogbeni Odulate Strengthens Market Leadership In Sagamu, Appoints New Board Members For Efficiency

Ginika Jane Orji (Born: Oct. 5, 1995) – Her Opay account (8039231985) was reportedly used to collect IPOB-linked funds across Nigeria.

Other individuals include Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali, Ohagwu Nneka Juliana, Eze Chibuike Okpoto, and Nwaobi Henry, all of whom were allegedly involved in funding terrorist activities through various financial institutions.

Under Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, all financial institutions and businesses in Nigeria have been instructed to:

Immediately freeze all funds, accounts, and assets linked to the designated individuals and organizations.

Report any frozen assets to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC).

Monitor and flag any financial transactions related to the sanctioned individuals.

Report suspicious transactions to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

Failure to comply with these measures could lead to criminal prosecution, civil penalties, and reputational damage for financial institutions and businesses.

The Nigerian government emphasized that this asset-freezing mechanism is a preventive strategy aimed at cutting off financial support to terrorist groups. Authorities have urged banks, financial institutions, and businesses to strictly adhere to the sanctions and report any findings to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee via info@nigsac.gov.ng.

As the government intensifies efforts to disrupt terrorism financing, observers will be watching closely to see how international authorities, particularly in Finland, where Simon Ekpa is based, respond to the latest designation.

With the Nigerian government tightening its grip on suspected terrorism financiers, security analysts believe this could significantly impact separatist activities in the southeast. However, there are concerns that these measures might also escalate tensions if met with resistance from supporters of the sanctioned individuals.

Will this move cripple the financial networks of separatist groups, or will it provoke further unrest? The coming weeks will reveal the impact of this landmark decision.