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: (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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the EFCC approval to freeze 24 bank accounts over alleged involvement in terrorism financing and money laundering. Court Approves EFCC’s Motion to Freeze 24 Bank Accounts Over Terrorism Financing Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze 24 bank accounts across various financial institutions over allegations of terrorism financing. Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s request following an ex-parte motion moved by the commission’s counsel, Martha Babatunde. The accounts will remain frozen for 90 days, enabling the EFCC to conclude its investigations into the matter. Allegations and Investigation Details The ex-parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by senior advocate Ekele Iheanacho. The accounts under investigation are owned by Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, who is allegedly linked to kidnapping and money laundering activities. According to preliminary investigations, these accounts have been used by individuals exploiting cryptocurrency platforms to manipulate the naira’s value and launder illicit funds. Mohammed Khalil, an investigator with the EFCC’s Special Investigation Team under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), affirmed the ongoing probe. Threats to Security Personnel Khalil disclosed that the EFCC launched the investigation after directives from National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. A syndicate had threatened senior NSA operatives and their families, demanding ransom payments while sharing sensitive personal details like home addresses and movements. The investigation identified Eromosele as a key suspect, with bank accounts linked to these criminal activities. Khalil provided evidence, including chat logs and bank statements, to substantiate the claims. Court Ruling Justice Nwite approved the EFCC’s request to freeze the accounts, citing the need to preserve funds linked to terrorism and money laundering until the investigation concludes. The matter is set for a follow-up hearing on March 24, 2025. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
