The Federal Government has through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee designated Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa and 16 other individuals and organisations terrorism financiers.
The committee, which met in Abuja, recommended the individuals and entities for inclusion on the Nigeria Sanctions List in line with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to government documents, the Attorney-General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, authorised their designation, mandating financial institutions to immediately identify and freeze all associated funds, assets, and economic resources without prior notice.
The committee said all financial institutions are required to “immediately identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities in your possession and report the same to the secretariat.”
“Report to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the designation, including attempted transactions,” part of the directive to financial institutions reads.
“Immediately file a suspicious transactions report to the NFIU for further analysis on the financial activities of such an individual or entity.
“Report as a suspicious transactions report to the NFIU all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of the Nigerian Sanctions List.”
One of the popular individuals named in the list is Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In November 2024, Ekpa was arrested in Finland over alleged “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.” He is currently in prison pending the commencement of his trial in May 2025.
FULL LIST
1. Simon Ekpa Njoku
2. Godstime Promise Iyare
3. Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi
4. John Anayo Onwumere
5. Chikwuka Godwin Eze
6. Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo
7. Chinwendu Joy Owoh
8. Ginika Jane Orji
9. Awo Uchechukwu
10. Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali
11. Ohagwu Nneka Juliana
12. Eze Chibuike Okpoto
13. Nwaobi Henry Chimezie
14. Ogomu Peace Kewe
15. Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises
16. Seficuvi Global Company
17. Lakurawa Group
