Nigeria Sanctions Committee, NSC, said it has identified Simon Ekpa, an extremist group, Lakurawa, and 15 other individuals and entities as terrorist financiers.
According to a report on the NSC website, the Chairman of NSC ordered all financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to immediately identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the alleged persons and entities in their possession.
The order, according to the report, is under the provisions of section 54 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022.
According to the report, freezing measures should be extended to all accounts associated with the designated subjects.
Additionally, NSC, revealed that any financial transactions involving the individuals must be flagged and reported to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, expressing that failure to adhere to the directives could result in both criminal and civil penalties, as well as reputational risks for financial institutions and businesses.
Simon Ekpa, who was identified as a key financier of terrorism, reportedly facilitated at least 49 fundraisers in different countries between October 2023 and September 2024.
Authorities also claim that through his social media platforms, particularly X, Ekpa ordered attacks on government buildings, military bases, and paramilitary posts across southeastern Nigeria.
These attacks according to the Federal Government reportedly resulted in significant loss of life, including security personnel and civilians, as well as widespread destruction of government and public property.
