Nigeria has sanctioned Simon Ekpa and others for alleged terrorism financing, freezing their assets and accounts. The government directed banks to enforce restrictions under the Terrorism Prevention Act. Authorities stress the move aims to curb separatist and extremist funding, ensuring compliance from financial institutions.
The Nigerian government has sanctioned Simon Ekpa, a key separatist figure, along with several others, over alleged involvement in terrorism financing. The move includes the immediate freezing of their bank accounts and assets, following a decision by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee in Abuja.
Authorities invoked Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, with approval from the Attorney-General of the Federation and the President. Financial institutions have been directed to identify and freeze all accounts linked to the sanctioned individuals and entities without prior notice.
The sanctions apply to all funds and assets owned or controlled by the designated persons, whether held directly or indirectly. Banks must also submit Suspicious Transactions Reports to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further analysis.
Among those sanctioned are individuals and businesses allegedly involved in channeling funds for separatist and extremist activities. The government emphasized that enforcement would be comprehensive, extending to all accounts associated with the named persons, including signatories and directors.
Authorities warn that financial institutions failing to comply will face penalties. Reports on frozen assets and compliance measures must be sent to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee Secretariat.
Officials have vowed continued monitoring and strict enforcement to prevent illicit financial flows supporting separatist movements.
