Nigeria Sanctions Simon Ekpa, IPOB Members, Others Over Alleged Terrorism Financing

Nigerian Government has imposed sanctions on several people and organizations, including Simon Ekpa, for their alleged role in financing terrorism.

Simon Ekpa, who leads the self-proclaimed Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), was among those named alongside the “Lakurawa” terror group and 15 business entities.

In a documents released by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) following its meeting on March 6, the majority of these entities are linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or BRGIE.

The Eastern Security Network (ESN), a militant group operating as the paramilitary wing of the IPOB, has been accused of carrying out violent attacks across the South-East. The group is believed to be acting under the influence of Simon Ekpa, whose online activities from his base in Finland have allegedly fueled unrest in the region.

The decision, which received approval from President Bola Tinubu, was made under “Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022”.

The sanctions, announced in Abuja, involve the immediate freezing of funds, assets, and other economic resources belonging to the designated individuals and entities.

The government have directed financial institutions to identify and freeze all accounts linked to those named, without prior notice.

The sanctions extend to any funds, properties, or assets they control—whether directly, jointly, or indirectly.

Banks and other financial entities are also required to report suspicious transactions related to these individuals to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further investigation.

Among the designated individuals and entities are:

1. Simon Ekpa Njoku (21-03-1985) – Guaranty Trust Bank: 0118835791, 0115442299, 0115442275
2. God’stime Promise Iyare (20-05-1996) – Access Bank: 0060032439, 1187008630, 1448136683; UBA: 2212655102; Moniepoint: 8197394552; Kuda: 2007096158
3. Promicool Venture – Moniepoint: 8197394576
4. Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi (27-09-1987) – Eco Bank: 3941072599; Fidelity: 6239280146; Opay: 8037688095; Moniepoint: 8196060258, 8196028438, 8196028452, 5380383959, 5612325508, 4730823866, 8037688095
5. John Anayo Onwumere (05-03-1987) – Sterling: 0026224269; Zenith: 4230646454
6. Chikwuka Godwin Eze (05-05-1975) – First Bank: 3031299977; Access Bank: 0110709618, 0108595489, 1132518632
7. Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo (27-05-1983)** – Union: 0010808495, 0110232286, 0069247850; Eco Bank: 2321194539; Opay: 8169916076; Moniepoint: 6786290317, 6786290300
8. Chinwendu Joy Owoh (10-02-1982)** – First Bank: 3125731837; GTB: 0115848475; Moniepoint: 6474876289; Union: 0014660761
9. Ginika Jane Orji (05-10-1995) – Blueridge: 8039231985; Opay: 7059681248, 8106940744
10. Awo Uchechukwu (11-12-1978). – First Bank: 3060144916
11. Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali (07-07-1998) – Access: 1612608952; FCMB: 6594319019; First Bank: 3147574474
12. Ohagwu Nneka Juliana (15-08-1985) – UBA: 2147559148
13. Eze Chibuike Okpoto (12-01-1989) – Access: 0071127599, 1138098116; FCMB: 3723955016; GT Bank: 0123014963
14. Nwaobi Henry Chimezie (12-06-1991) – Access: 1113046148; UBA: 2115584448, 2117752704; First Bank: 3067985749; Moniepoint: 8276850931
15. Ogomu Peace Kewe (27-06-1997) – Access: 1840168323; UBA: 2096777826; First Bank: 3124937333, 2041450556 (USD: 3180578127); Zenith: 2547460190; Opay: 9069071154; Kuda: 2028607838; Fidelity: 6552642526; GT Bank: 0258732080; Stanbic: 0021280495
16. Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises (3750733) – Access: 1872085373, 0800331795; Fairmoney: 2683102063; Fidelity: 5090919707; GTB: 0206153527, 0044247093, 0044247086, 0044247079, 0044247062, 0044247055, 0044247103, 4020644423; Opay: 9023765613, 8035144914, 8126308128; Polaris: 3124277058; Carbon: 0629821223; Zenith: 1226773554
17. Seficuvi Global Company (3225098) – Access Bank: 1436852548; Eco Bank: 3831141439

The Nigerian government has emphasized that all accounts linked to the sanctioned individuals and businesses—including those associated with their directors and signatories—will remain frozen.

Compliance reports must be submitted to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee for review.

“For designated entities, this should include accounts linked to their signatories and directors to ensure comprehensive enforcement of the sanctions regime.

“You are required to report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.

“Immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report to the NFIU for further analysis of the financial activities of such individuals or entities.

“The freezing obligation outlined above extends to all funds or other assets owned or controlled by the designated persons and entities, not only those tied to a particular act, plot, or threat of terrorism or terrorism financing.

“This includes funds or assets that are wholly or jointly owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by designated persons or entities.

“Additionally, it covers funds or assets derived or generated from funds or other assets owned or controlled directly or indirectly by designated persons or entities.

“It also includes funds or other assets of persons and entities acting on behalf of, or at the direction of designated persons or entities.

“A report of your compliance with this requirement may be sent to: [email protected], [email protected],” the document added.

KanyiDaily recalls that Simon Ekpa has been in Finland detention since in 2024 after he was arrested on charges of terrorism.