In a decisive move against terrorism financing, the Federal Government of Nigeria has sanctioned several individuals and entities, including Simon Ekpa, a controversial separatist leader, for their alleged involvement in funding terrorism.
The sanctions, announced on Thursday after a high-level meeting of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee in Abuja, include the immediate freezing of all funds, assets, and economic resources linked to the designated individuals and organizations. This decision was taken in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and was approved by both President Bola Tinubu and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
According to government documents, all financial institutions have been mandated to identify and freeze accounts belonging to the sanctioned individuals and entities without prior notice. The directive extends to all funds, assets, and economic resources under their control, whether wholly owned, jointly controlled, indirectly managed, or derived from illicit activities.
Furthermore, financial institutions must immediately file Suspicious Transactions Reports (STRs) with the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further scrutiny. This is part of a broader crackdown on the financial networks suspected of aiding and abetting terrorism in Nigeria.
Among those sanctioned is Simon Ekpa Njoku (born March 21, 1985), whose Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) accounts have been frozen. Others on the list include:
God’stime Promise Iyare (b. May 20, 1996) – Accounts in Access Bank, UBA, Moniepoint, and Kuda.
Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi (b. Sept. 27, 1987) – Accounts in Eco Bank, Fidelity Bank, Opay, and Moniepoint.
John Anayo Onwumere (b. March 5, 1987) – Accounts in Sterling Bank and Zenith Bank.
Chikwuka Godwin Eze (b. May 5, 1975) – Accounts in First Bank and Access Bank.
Promicool Venture – Accounts in Moniepoint.
Seficuvi Global Company – Accounts in Access Bank and Eco Bank.
Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises – Accounts across multiple financial institutions, including GTB, Zenith, Polaris, Access Bank, and FairMoney.
The list includes over a dozen individuals and entities, all of whom now face asset freezes and financial restrictions aimed at dismantling their alleged funding structures.
The government has warned all financial institutions to comply with the directive, emphasizing that the freezing measures apply not just to the individuals’ accounts but also to accounts linked to their signatories and directors.
Institutions failing to comply will face strict penalties. The Sanctions Committee has also urged Nigerians to report any suspicious financial activities related to these individuals to:
📧 secretariat@nigsac.gov.ng
📧 info@nigsac.gov.ng
The action underscores Nigeria’s renewed determination to combat terrorism financing, sending a strong message that financial enablers of insecurity will face swift justice.
With the government intensifying its efforts, this marks a pivotal moment in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, as authorities dismantle illicit financial networks sustaining threats to national security.
PIONEER NEWS 