FG Designates Simon Ekpa, 15 Others, Terrorism Financiers
…Lakurawa Sect now Recognised as Terrorism Financiers and Terrorist Group
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has taken decisive action against terrorism financing by designating Simon Ekpa and 15 other individuals and entities as terrorism financiers.
Additionally, the Lakurawa Sect has been designated as a terrorist group and terrorist financier.
This move, recommended by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC), an independent body headed by the Attorney General, shows the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and its financial support networks.
The Chairman of the NSC, acting on the committee’s recommendations, directed the addition of Simon Ekpa Njoku to the Nigeria Sanctions List. Intelligence reports indicate that Ekpa facilitated approximately 49 fundraisers across various countries between October 2023 and September 2024.
Through his social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), he allegedly ordered attacks on government facilities, resulting in significant loss of life and destruction of property.
Other individuals designated as terrorism financiers include Godstime Promise Iyare, Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi, John Anayo Onwumere, Chikwuka Godwin Eze, Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Joy Owoh, Ginika Jane Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali, Ohagwu Nneka Juliana, Eze Chibuike Okpoto, Nwaobi Henry Chimezie, Ogumu Peace Kewe, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, and Seficuvi Global Company.
These designations stem from intelligence reports indicating their involvement in fundraising and financial support for proscribed groups, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).
In a similar move, the Lakurawa Sect has been designated as a terrorist group and terrorist financier. This group, an affiliate of Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), has been operating in Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, since 2016. Lakurawa engages in violent attacks, assassinations, and the imposition of radical Islamist rule.
The group consists primarily of foreign fighters from Niger and Mali and funds its activities through extortion, forced taxation, cattle rustling, and ransom from kidnappings.
Pursuant to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, all financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions are required to immediately identify and freeze all funds, assets, and economic resources belonging to the designated persons and entities.
They must also report these actions to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Sanctions Committee and file suspicious transaction reports with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The government emphasized that this asset freezing mechanism is a preventive tool to disrupt terrorist support and activity. Non-compliance with these directives may result in both criminal and civil liabilities, as well as reputational risks.
The public is urged to report any information related to these designations to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee. This action is intended to protect the nation and disrupt terrorist networks.
