Nigeria Declares Simon Ekpa and 16 Others as Terrorism Financiers in Major Crackdown

In a bold and unprecedented move, the Nigerian government has officially designated Simon Ekpa and 16 other individuals and entities as terrorism financiers, intensifying its crackdown on groups fueling insecurity in the country. This decision, spearheaded by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) under the leadership of Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, aims to disrupt terrorism funding channels and neutralize the economic resources sustaining violent activities.

Who Is Simon Ekpa?

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian political activist, has been a key figure in the Biafran separatist movement. The Nigerian government alleges that Ekpa masterminded multiple fundraising campaigns across several countries, accumulating substantial financial support for groups linked to terrorism. His activities, especially on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), have been accused of inciting violence in southeastern Nigeria, leading to the destruction of lives and property.

The Accusations Against Ekpa

Authorities claim that Ekpa's network facilitated 49 international fundraising campaigns between October 2023 and September 2024, which allegedly financed violent attacks on Nigerian government structures, security forces, and civilians.

International Crackdown on Ekpa's Network

In response to Nigeria’s allegations, Finnish authorities arrested five individuals connected to violence in southeastern Nigeria. This highlights global cooperation in tackling cross-border terrorism financing.

The 16 Other Individuals and Entities Declared Terrorism Financiers

The NSC’s list includes individuals and businesses suspected of funding, facilitating, or directly supporting terrorist groups through illicit financial transactions.

Individuals Accused of Funding Terrorism

The following people were identified for their alleged roles in terrorism financing:

• Godstime Promise Iyare
• Francis Mmaduabuchi
• John Onwumere
• Chikwuka Eze
• Edwin Chukwuedo
• Chinwendu Owoh
• Ginika Orji
• Awo Uchechukwu
• Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali
• Ohagwu Juliana
• Eze Okpoto
• Nwaobi Chimezie
• Ogomu Kewe

Entities Implicated in Terrorism Financing

1. Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises

Authorities discovered that this business entity’s bank account was actively used to collect donations for the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), an outlawed separatist group.

2. Seficuvi Global Company

This organization reportedly funneled funds from members in Nigeria into BRGIE’s accounts, effectively operating as a financial intermediary for separatist movements.

3. Lakurawa Group

Perhaps the most alarming revelation is the involvement of Lakurawa Group, which has alleged ties to Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group operating in the Sahel. Nigerian security agencies warn that JNIM has infiltrated northwestern Nigeria, enforcing extreme interpretations of Sharia law before escalating into violent operations.

The Nigerian government has implemented a comprehensive set of financial restrictions against these individuals and entities in accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. These sanctions include:

1. Immediate Freezing of Assets

All bank accounts, funds, and economic resources linked to the accused individuals and entities have been frozen without prior notice. Financial institutions have been ordered to comply and report all identified accounts to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee.

2. Heightened Financial Scrutiny

Banks and financial agencies are now required to report suspicious transactions linked to the designated individuals to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for deeper investigation.

3. Comprehensive Enforcement Measures

All directors and signatories linked to the affected entities will also face asset freezes and financial restrictions, ensuring that these businesses can no longer operate as terrorism financing conduits.

Global Cooperation in the Fight Against Terrorism Financing

Nigeria's aggressive stance against terrorism financiers aligns with global efforts to curb the financial networks that sustain violent extremism.

International Collaboration on Counter-Terrorism Efforts

• Finland’s intervention in investigating and detaining individuals tied to separatist violence reflects the importance of cross-border cooperation.
• West African nations are strengthening security alliances to counter the growing threat of transnational terrorism.

This latest crackdown serves as a stern warning to all individuals and organizations complicit in terrorism financing—their activities will not go unnoticed, and justice will be served.

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Key Takeaways

✅ Simon Ekpa and 16 others have been declared terrorism financiers by the Nigerian government.
✅ Their assets have been frozen, and financial transactions are under strict surveillance.
✅ Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global, and Lakurawa Group are among the entities accused of aiding terrorism.
✅ Lakurawa Group has links to al-Qaeda affiliates, raising serious security concerns.
✅ Nigeria’s actions align with global efforts to dismantle terrorism financing networks.

By targeting the financial backbone of terrorist organizations, Nigeria has taken a firm stance against insecurity. The swift identification and sanctioning of terrorism financiers demonstrate the government's commitment to eradicating terrorism at its roots.

With ongoing international cooperation and intelligence-sharing, this landmark action sets a new precedent in counter-terrorism efforts—one that signals zero tolerance for those who fund and fuel violence.