FG Declares Simon Ekpa, 15 Others as Terrorism Financiers, Freezes Assets ( Full List)

The Federal Government has officially declared Simon Ekpa and 15 others as terrorism financiers. In addition, the government has designated the Lakurawa Sect as both a terrorist organization and a terrorism financier. These measures were taken following allegations of their involvement in funding and supporting terrorist activities.

The announcement was made on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC), an independent body led by the Attorney General, recommended the designation. The NSC Chairman subsequently ordered the inclusion of Simon Ekpa Njoku and others on the Nigeria Sanctions List.

The government stated that the decision aligns with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Under this law, all financial institutions and designated businesses are required to immediately freeze, without prior notice, all funds and assets linked to the listed individuals and entities. They must also report these frozen assets to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee’s Secretariat. Furthermore, financial transactions involving the designated persons must be flagged and reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Institutions failing to comply may face criminal and civil penalties, along with reputational risks.

Simon Ekpa Njoku, identified as a key financier of terrorism, was born on March 21, 1985. He allegedly organized at least 49 fundraising activities across multiple countries between October 2023 and September 2024. Authorities claim he used his social media accounts, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to direct attacks on government buildings, military bases, and paramilitary posts in southeastern Nigeria. These attacks reportedly resulted in numerous deaths, including security personnel and civilians, as well as extensive property damage.

Ekpa’s registered address was listed as Kauppakatu 6 B, Zip: 15140, Lahti, Finland, with an international passport number FP2927082. His known phone numbers are +35803555858 and 08063892983.

Several other individuals were also designated as terrorism financiers based on intelligence reports linking them to the funding of terrorist groups.

Godstime Promise Iyare, born on May 20, 1996, was identified as a key figure in local fundraising activities. Authorities traced his involvement through a United Bank for Africa (UBA) account, 2212655102, which was allegedly used to collect funds from Nigerian supporters. Security agencies found that his phone number was linked to the National Identity Numbers (NIN) of two other individuals—Chukwuekwu Iyare and Helen Ugbomor Lovelyn Iyare.

Francis Chukwuedo Mmadubuchi, born on September 27, 1987, was listed for receiving donations via a Moniepoint account, 8196060258, from members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Similarly, John Anayo Onwumere, born on March 5, 1987, was flagged for using a Sterling Bank account, 0026224269, to collect funds from IPOB supporters.

Chikwuka Godwin Eze, born on May 5, 1975, was identified for managing an Access Bank account, 0108595489, which allegedly served as a collection point for contributions from groups identified as Odumegu State Defacto and Urhobo Isoko State Defacto.

Another individual, Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo, born on May 27, 1983, was found to be using a Flutterwave account, 9461730261, to channel funds for terrorist activities. Chiwendu Joy Owoh, born on February 10, 1982, was accused of coordinating financial contributions in Nigeria through a Moniepoint account, 6474876289.

Ginika Jane Orji, born on October 5, 1995, was also sanctioned. Her Opay account, 8039231985, was reportedly used to collect funds from IPOB members in local chapters across Nigeria.

Awo Uchechukwu, born on December 11, 1978, was declared a terrorist financier and identified as a commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Authorities allege that he received direct funding from Simon Ekpa to sustain the group’s activities. His First Bank account, 3060144916, was cited as a major financial channel.

Other individuals listed include Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali, Ohagwu Nneka Juliana, Eze Chibuike Okpoto, and Nwaobi Henry. Intelligence reports linked their bank accounts in Access Bank, UBA, and other financial institutions to transactions supporting terrorist organizations.

The government emphasized that the asset-freezing measure is a preventive tool aimed at disrupting terrorist operations by cutting off financial support. Financial institutions and businesses have been cautioned that non-compliance with these sanctions could result in legal consequences.

Authorities have directed banks and other financial service providers to identify and freeze all assets linked to the designated individuals and organizations. This includes funds in accounts owned jointly or indirectly by them, as well as those managed on their behalf by third parties.

Additionally, businesses and institutions must monitor transactions for potential connections to the sanctioned individuals and report any findings to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee at info@nigsac.gov.ng.

The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and pledged to take firm action against individuals and entities involved in financing terrorist activities.