Simon Ekpa Sanctioned: Accounts Frozen For Alleged Terrorism Financing

Federal Government Sanctions Simon Ekpa for Terrorism Financing

The Nigerian government has announced sanctions against prominent separatist leader Simon Ekpa, along with several other individuals and entities, for their alleged involvement in financing terrorism. The sanctions were issued by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Under these sanctions, all funds, assets, and economic resources belonging to the designated individuals and entities have been immediately frozen. This action aligns with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and was approved by both the Attorney-General of the Federation and the President.

Comprehensive Asset Freezing Measures Implemented

Financial institutions have been directed to freeze all accounts linked to the sanctioned individuals and entities without prior notification. The freezing extends to all assets owned, jointly controlled, or derived from the activities of the designated persons. Banks are also required to file Suspicious Transactions Reports (STRs) to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further investigation.

List of Sanctioned Individuals and Entities

Among those sanctioned are:

Simon Ekpa Njoku (21-03-1985) – Guaranty Trust Bank: 0118835791, 0115442299, 0115442275
God’stime Promise Iyare (20-05-1996) – Access Bank: 0060032439, 1187008630, 1448136683
Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi (27-09-1987) – Eco Bank: 3941072599; Fidelity: 6239280146
John Anayo Onwumere (05-03-1987) – Sterling: 0026224269

(For the full list, visit the official Nigeria Sanctions Committee website).

Strict Compliance Required by Financial Institutions

Financial institutions are mandated to report any assets frozen or actions taken to comply with the prohibition requirements to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee Secretariat. Compliance reports should be sent to: [email protected] and [email protected].

The government emphasized that the freezing measures apply to all accounts associated with the designated subjects, including those linked to signatories and directors of the sanctioned entities.

What This Means for Counterterrorism Efforts

These measures reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to combating terrorism financing and ensuring that funds are not misused to support illegal activities. The NFIU will continue to analyze financial activities and collaborate with international partners to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.

Conclusion

The sanctions against Simon Ekpa and others underscore the government’s resolve to curb terrorism financing. The public and financial institutions are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

For more information on terrorism financing and international sanctions, visit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) official site at fatf-gafi.org.