The Nigerian government has officially blacklisted 17 individuals and organizations, including Simon Ekpa, for their alleged involvement in terrorism financing.
This action was taken by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee and approved by the President following recommendations from the Attorney General of the Federation.
The Blacklisted Individuals and Entities
According to a document released on Thursday, the designated individuals include:
- 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
Additionally, three entities were blacklisted:
- Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises
- Seficuvi Global Company
- Lakurawa Group
Legal Basis and Sanctions Imposed
The Nigeria Sanctions Committee convened on March 6, 2024, where the individuals and entities were recommended for designation due to their alleged ties to terrorism financing. Under Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, strict measures have been imposed, including:
- Immediate Freezing of Assets: Financial institutions must identify and freeze all funds, assets, and economic resources linked to the designated individuals and entities.
- Reporting Obligations: Institutions must report frozen assets to the Sanctions Committee.
- Suspicious Transactions Reports (STRs): Any financial activity linked to the designated individuals must be flagged and reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
- Extended Freezing Measures: Bank accounts linked to the individuals, their signatories, and directors of the designated entities must be frozen to ensure comprehensive enforcement of the sanctions.
The document further directed financial institutions to ensure that all assets connected to these individuals and organizations remain inaccessible.
Any transactions associated with the designated persons must be monitored and flagged as suspicious by regulatory agencies.
Implementation and Compliance
To enforce the sanctions, financial institutions, banks, and payment platforms have been instructed to act immediately and submit compliance reports to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee via designated email addresses.
Law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders have also been tasked with ensuring full implementation.
The committee emphasized that the sanctions are in line with global counter-terrorism efforts and Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating financial networks that support terrorism. The move is expected to disrupt funding channels used by extremist groups and prevent further security threats in the country.
Background on Simon Ekpa
Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been a controversial figure due to his alleged role in promoting separatist activities and civil unrest in southeastern Nigeria.
His name has surfaced in connection with funding violent activities and enforcing sit-at-home orders that have disrupted economic and social activities in the region.
Ekpa, who is based in Finland, has frequently issued directives that have led to unrest and violence in Nigeria.
His recent arrest by Finnish authorities followed growing diplomatic pressure from the Nigerian government, which has repeatedly accused him of inciting violence and financing terrorism.
President Bola Tinubu has commended Finland for cooperating in cracking down on separatist movements linked to terrorism financing.
The Nigerian government’s position remains that separatist elements receiving financial backing must be held accountable under national and international laws.
Reactions and Implications
The blacklisting has sparked widespread reactions from different quarters. Security analysts have praised the move as a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism financing. According to security expert Dr. Yusuf Ali, “Cutting off financial support for terrorist networks is crucial in dismantling their operations. This move by the Nigerian government demonstrates a firm commitment to fighting extremism.”
However, supporters of the affected individuals argue that due process must be followed to ensure that innocent parties are not wrongly implicated. Human rights organizations have called for transparency in the investigative process, urging the government to provide concrete evidence linking the blacklisted individuals to terrorism financing.
Meanwhile, financial institutions are scrambling to comply with the directive. Many banks have already begun freezing accounts associated with the named individuals and entities, with several flagged transactions now under investigation by the NFIU.
Broader Security Context
The decision to blacklist these individuals comes amid heightened concerns over terrorism and separatist movements in Nigeria. The government has intensified efforts to curb the influence of groups that threaten national security, particularly in the North East and South East regions.
Over the past year, Nigeria has collaborated with international partners to track and shut down funding sources linked to terrorist organizations.
This latest action signals the government’s resolve to further tighten financial regulations and prevent illicit funding activities.
The blacklisting of Simon Ekpa and others for terrorism financing marks a critical milestone in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
While the move is expected to disrupt funding networks supporting extremist activities, it also raises concerns about legal and human rights implications.
As enforcement measures take effect, the effectiveness of these sanctions in curbing terrorism financing and their impact on Nigeria’s broader security landscape remain to be seen.
