The Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) has designated Simon Ekpa, 14 individuals, and two entities for their alleged involvement in supporting terrorist activities and terrorism financing.
The committee directed financial institutions to freeze their assets and report any transactions linked to them to the NSC and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). The move aligns with Nigeria’s compliance with international standards on combating terrorism financing, as outlined in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The designated individuals include Simon Ekpa Njoku, who reportedly operated multiple fundraising campaigns between October 2023 and September 2024 to finance attacks on government and security facilities in Nigeria’s southeast. Others named in the sanctions list are Godstime Promise Iyare, Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi, John Anayo Onwumere, Chikwuka Godwin Eze, Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo, Chinwendu Joy Owoh, Ginika Jane Orji, and Awo Uchechukwu, among others.
The NSC also listed two entities: Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises and Seficuvi Global Company, which were allegedly used to collect funds for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). Additionally, Lakurawa Group, linked to the militant group Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), was included for its alleged activities in Sokoto and Kebbi States, involving violent attacks, forced taxation, and ransom kidnappings.
Authorities have urged financial institutions to remain vigilant and report any suspicious transactions involving the designated individuals and entities.
