The Federal Government of Nigeria has frozen the bank accounts of Simon Ekpa and 16 others due to their alleged involvement in terrorism financing. The move follows a decision made by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, which held a meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) revealed the outcome of the meeting to journalists, stating that the action aligns with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. This section grants the government the authority to take measures against individuals and organizations suspected of financing terrorism.
The NFIU noted that the Attorney-General of the Federation, with the President’s approval, directed the inclusion of these individuals and entities on the Nigeria Sanctions List. As a result, financial institutions and other relevant bodies are required to immediately identify and freeze all funds, assets, and economic resources linked to the designated persons without prior notice.
Additionally, the freezing order extends to accounts associated with the signatories and directors of the affected entities. The NFIU stressed that all financial institutions must comply with the directive and report their actions to the Sanctions Committee.
The government also instructed that any suspicious financial transactions related to the listed individuals and entities be reported to the NFIU for further investigation. According to the directive, financial institutions must also file a Suspicious Transactions Report (STR) if they detect any financial activities linked to the sanctioned persons.
The freezing measures cover all assets owned or controlled by the designated individuals and groups, whether directly or indirectly. This includes assets acquired from funds linked to them, as well as any financial resources managed by persons acting on their behalf.
The affected individuals and entities include Simon Ekpa, along with others whose bank account details have been made public. Their accounts are held in various Nigerian banks, including Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, First Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, Eco Bank, and several fintech platforms like Moniepoint, Opay, and Kuda.
The NFIU further noted, “You’re required to report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.” It also directed financial institutions to notify the NFIU if they identify transactions linked to the designated individuals, whether before or after the release of the sanctions list.
The designated individuals and entities are as follows:
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
