The Nigeria Sanctions Committee has officially designated IPOB leader Simon Ekpa and 16 other individuals and organizations over their alleged involvement in financing terrorism.
Among those listed are, Godstime Promise Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chinwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, and Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali.
Additionally, the sanctioned entities include Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, Ogomu Kewe, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company, and Lakurawa Group.
A document from the committee, obtained on Thursday, revealed that the list had been approved by the President following recommendations from the Attorney General of the Federation.
“The Nigeria Sanctions Committee held a meeting on March 6, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for designation following their involvement with terrorism financing.
“The Attorney General of the Federation, with the approval of the President, has thereupon designated the following individuals and entities to be listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List.
The sanctions were imposed in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which mandates financial institutions and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action, including:
- Freezing all funds, assets, and economic resources linked to the designated individuals and organizations.
- Reporting frozen assets and any compliance actions to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee.
- Filing a Suspicious Transactions Report (STR) to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further investigation.
“(a) Immediately identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and any other economic resources belonging to the designated persons in your possession and report the same to the Sanctions Committee.
“(b) Report to the Sanctions Committee any assets frozen or actions taken in compliance with the prohibition requirements.
“(c) Immediately file a Suspicious Transactions Report (STR) to the NFIU for further analysis of the financial activities of such individuals or entities.
(d) Report as an STR to the NFIU all cases of name matching in financial transactions prior to or after receipt of this list.”
All financial institutions and payment platforms have been instructed to freeze accounts associated with those designated, extending to accounts linked to their signatories and directors to ensure full enforcement of the sanctions.
The committee has also directed institutions to submit compliance reports to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee via secretariat@nigsac.gov.ng and info@nigsac.gov.ng.
