Emmanuel OchayiThe Nigerian government has frozen the bank accounts of individuals and organisations linked to terrorism financing. This decision was made by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, which met in Abuja on Thursday. The committee’s recommendation aligns with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Among those affected is Simon Ekpa Njoku, a known figure associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). His accounts with Guaranty Trust Bank have been frozen as part of the government’s measures to curb terrorism financing.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAuthorities have directed financial institutions and relevant organisations to freeze the accounts and report their actions to the Sanctions Committee. They must also file Suspicious Transactions Reports with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further investigation.
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Simon Ekpa and Other Key Figures Targeted
Simon Ekpa, who was arrested by Finnish authorities on 21 November 2024 for alleged terrorist activities in Nigeria, is one of the individuals affected by this action. His financial assets, as well as those linked to affiliated companies, have been frozen.
The government’s move is part of its wider strategy to disrupt financial networks that support terrorism. Other individuals on the sanctions list include Godstime Promise Iyare, Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi, John Anayo Onwumere, and Chikwuka Godwin Eze. Their accounts across various banks, including Access Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and First Bank, have also been frozen.
Financial Institutions Ordered to Enforce Freeze
Banks and other financial institutions have been instructed to identify and freeze funds, assets, and economic resources linked to these individuals and organisations without prior notice. This is to prevent the movement of funds that could be used for terrorism-related activities.
A full list of the affected individuals and companies has been published. Some of the organisations include Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises and Seficuvi Global Company. Their accounts in banks such as GTB, Eco Bank, Zenith Bank, and Fidelity Bank have been frozen.
By taking this step, the Nigerian government aims to strengthen its fight against terrorism financing and ensure that those involved in illegal activities are held accountable.
Government’s Stance on Terrorism Financing
The Nigerian government has repeatedly stated its commitment to combating terrorism. Officials argue that disrupting financial flows is one of the most effective ways to weaken terrorist groups operating in the country.
Security agencies and financial regulators have been working together to track suspicious financial transactions. The latest move is seen as a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to implement international financial regulations on terrorism financing.
A government spokesperson emphasised that individuals or groups found guilty of financing terrorism would face legal consequences. The government has also encouraged citizens to report any suspicious financial activities to authorities.
Implications of the Account Freeze
The freezing of accounts linked to terrorism financing has both legal and economic consequences. Those affected will be unable to access their funds or conduct transactions within the Nigerian financial system. This move is expected to disrupt the financial operations of groups linked to terrorism and prevent them from funding further activities.
For businesses and individuals who may have unknowingly engaged with these sanctioned entities, there could be serious financial implications. Banks have been urged to conduct due diligence on their customers to avoid any connections with terrorism financiers.
See the full list of the frozen accounts below
1. Simon Ekpa Njoku 21-03-1985 Guaranty Trust Bank 0118835791, 0115442299, 0115442275
2. Godstime Promise Iyare 20-05-1996 Access Bank 0060032439, 1187008630, 1448136683. UBA 2212655102. Moniepoint 8197394552. Kuda 2007096158. Promicool Venture- Moniepoint 8197394576.
3. Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi 27-09-1987 Eco Bank 3941072599, Fidelity 6239280146, Opay 8037688095, Moniepoint 8196060258, 8196028438, 8196028452,5380383959, 5612325508,4730823866, 8037688095
4. John Anayo Onwumere 05-03-1987 Sterling 0026224269, Zenith 4230646454
5. Chikwuka Godwin Eze 05-05-1975 First Bank 3031299977, Access Bank 0110709618, 0108595489, 1132518632
6. Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo 27-05-1983 Union 0010808495, 0110232286, 0069247850, Eco Bank 2321194539, Opay 8169916076, Moniepoint 6786290317, 6786290300
7. Chinwendu Joy Owoh 10-02-1982 First Bank 3125731837, GTB 0115848475, Moniepoint 6474876289, Union 0014660761
8. Ginika Jane Orji 05-10-1995 Blueridge 8039231985, Opay 7059681248, 8106940744
9. Awo Uchechukwu 11-12-1978 First Bank 3060144916
10. Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali 07-07-1998 Access 1612608952, FCMB 6594319019, First Bank 3147574474
11. Ohagwu Nneka Juliana 15-08-1985 UBA 2147559148
12. Eze Chibuike Okpoto 12-01-1989 Access 0071127599, 1138098116, FCMB 3723955016, GT Bank 0123014963
13. Nwaobi Henry Chimezie 12-06-1991 Access 1113046148, 1113046148, UBA 2115584448, 2117752704, First Bank 3067985749, Moniepoint 8276850931,
14. 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
15. 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
16. Seficuvi Global Company 3225098 Access Bank 1436852548, Eco Bank 3831141439
17. Lakurawa Group NLLKW
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
