The Federal Government of Nigeria has imposed sanctions on several individuals and entities, including prominent separatist leader Simon Ekpa, for their alleged involvement in financing terrorism.
The sanctions, announced on Thursday following a meeting of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee in Abuja, include the immediate freezing of all funds, assets, and economic resources linked to the designated individuals and organizations.
In line with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the decision received approval from both the Attorney-General of the Federation and the President.
According to official government documents, financial institutions have been directed to identify and freeze all accounts associated with the sanctioned individuals and entities without prior notice. The sanctions extend to all funds, assets, and economic resources owned, controlled, or jointly held by the designated persons, whether directly or indirectly.
Additionally, financial institutions are mandated to file Suspicious Transactions Reports with the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further investigation.
List of Sanctioned Individuals and Entities
Among those designated for sanctions are:
Simon Ekpa Njoku (21-03-1985) – Linked to multiple accounts in Guaranty Trust Bank.
God’stime Promise Iyare (20-05-1996) – Holds accounts in Access Bank, UBA, Moniepoint, and Kuda.
Promicool Venture – Associated with Moniepoint accounts.
Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi (27-09-1987) – Has accounts in Eco Bank, Fidelity, Opay, and Moniepoint.
John Anayo Onwumere (05-03-1987) – Linked to accounts in Sterling Bank and Zenith Bank.
Chikwuka Godwin Eze (05-05-1975) – Holds accounts in First Bank and Access Bank.
Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo (27-05-1983) – Associated with Union Bank, Eco Bank, Opay, and Moniepoint accounts.
Chinwendu Joy Owoh (10-02-1982) – Holds accounts in First Bank, GTB, Moniepoint, and Union Bank.
Ginika Jane Orji (05-10-1995) – Linked to Blueridge and Opay accounts.
Awo Uchechukwu (11-12-1978) – Holds an account in First Bank.
Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali (07-07-1998) – Associated with Access Bank, FCMB, and First Bank.
Ohagwu Nneka Juliana (15-08-1985) – Holds an account in UBA.
Eze Chibuike Okpoto (12-01-1989) – Linked to Access Bank, FCMB, and GTB accounts.
Nwaobi Henry Chimezie (12-06-1991) – Holds accounts in Access Bank, UBA, First Bank, and Moniepoint.
Ogomu Peace Kewe (27-06-1997) – Associated with multiple accounts across Access Bank, UBA, First Bank, Zenith, Opay, Kuda, Fidelity, GTB, and Stanbic IBTC.
Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises – Linked to accounts in Access Bank, Fairmoney, Fidelity, GTB, Opay, Polaris, Carbon, and Zenith Bank.
Seficuvi Global Company – Holds accounts in Access Bank and Eco Bank.
Government’s Strict Enforcement Measures
The government emphasized that the freezing measures will apply comprehensively to all accounts associated with the designated individuals and entities, including those linked to their signatories and directors.
Compliance reports are to be submitted to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee Secretariat for review. Institutions are required to immediately report any frozen assets and submit compliance documentation to secretariat@nigsac.gov.ng and info@nigsac.gov.ng.
The freezing directive extends beyond direct transactions and applies to all funds or assets owned, controlled, or derived from the activities of the sanctioned individuals and entities, including those acting on their behalf.
The move underscores the government’s commitment to curbing terrorism financing and ensuring strict compliance with national and international financial regulations.
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