Nigeria Freezes Bank Accounts of Simon Ekpa and 16 Others Over Terrorism Financing

By Bashir Aliyu

Abuja-Nigeria- In a decisive move to combat terrorism financing, the Federal Government of Nigeria has designated and listed 17 individuals and entities on the Nigeria Sanctions List. Among those named is Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure allegedly involved in activities threatening national security.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee in Abuja on Thursday, in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The Attorney-General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, authorized the immediate freezing of all funds, assets, and economic resources linked to the designated individuals and entities.

According to official documents, financial institutions are required to identify and freeze accounts associated with the listed persons without prior notice. The measures extend to accounts held by directors and signatories of designated entities to ensure comprehensive enforcement.

List of Designated Individuals and Entities
The following individuals and entities have been sanctioned:

1. Simon Ekpa Njoku – Accounts with Guaranty Trust Bank.
2. Godstime Promise Iyare – Accounts with Access Bank, UBA, Moniepoint, and Kuda.
3. Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi – Accounts with Eco Bank, Fidelity, Opay, and Moniepoint.
4. John Anayo Onwumere – Accounts with Sterling and Zenith Banks.
5. Chikwuka Godwin Eze – Accounts with First Bank and Access Bank.
6. Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo – Accounts with Union Bank, Eco Bank, Opay, and Moniepoint.
7. Chinwendu Joy Owoh – Accounts with First Bank, GTB, Moniepoint, and Union Bank.
8. Ginika Jane Orji – Accounts with Blueridge and Opay.
9. Awo Uchechukwu – Account with First Bank.
10. Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali – Accounts with Access Bank, FCMB, and First Bank.
11. Ohagwu Nneka Juliana – Account with UBA.
12. Eze Chibuike Okpoto – Accounts with Access Bank, FCMB, and GT Bank.
13. Nwaobi Henry Chimezie – Accounts with Access Bank, UBA, First Bank, and Moniepoint.
14. Ogomu Peace Kewe – Accounts with Access Bank, UBA, First Bank, Zenith, Opay, Kuda, Fidelity, GT Bank, and Stanbic.
15. Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises – Accounts with Access Bank, Fairmoney, Fidelity, GTB, Opay, Polaris, Carbon, and Zenith.
16. Seficuvi Global Company – Accounts with Access Bank and Eco Bank.
17. Lakurawa Group – Details unspecified.

Compliance Requirements
Financial institutions are mandated to:

• Report frozen assets or actions taken to the Sanctions Committee.
• File Suspicious Transactions Reports (STRs) with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further analysis.
• Ensure freezing measures cover all funds or assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by the designated persons or entities.

Reports of compliance should be sent to the Sanctions Committee via secretariat@nigsac.gov.ng or info@nigsac.gov.ng.

This development underscores the government’s commitment to tackling terrorism financing and ensuring national security.