By Capital Watch Media
The Nigeria Sanctions Committee has officially designated 17 individuals and organisations as terrorism financiers, following presidential approval on the recommendation of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Among those named are Simon Ekpa, Godstime Promise Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, and Chikwuka Eze. Also listed are Edwin Chukwuedo, Chinwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, and Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali.
Others on the list include Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, Ogomu Kewe, as well as the organisations Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company, and Lakurawa Group.
A document from the committee, obtained on Thursday, confirmed the sanctions were decided following a meeting on March 6, 2024. The list was subsequently approved by President Bola Tinubu.
“The Attorney General of the Federation, with the President’s approval, has designated the following individuals and entities for their involvement in terrorism financing,” the document stated.
The committee’s actions are in line with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Under this law, immediate measures must be taken against the listed individuals and organisations.
“You are required to immediately identify and freeze, without prior notice, all funds, assets, and economic resources belonging to the designated persons in your possession,” the committee instructed financial institutions.
In addition, financial institutions must report any frozen assets and other compliance measures to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee. Suspicious Transactions Reports must also be filed with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
“Freezing measures should be extended to all accounts associated with the designated subjects,” the document added. “For designated entities, this includes accounts linked to their signatories and directors.”
The committee further mandated the immediate suspension of any financial transactions involving the named individuals and organisations across multiple banks, payment platforms, and financial institutions.
Financial institutions have also been ordered to ensure that the sanctions are comprehensively enforced and to submit compliance reports to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee through designated email channels.
A senior official from the Attorney General’s office, speaking anonymously, confirmed the urgency of the enforcement. “This action is part of our broader strategy to cut off funding for terrorism and ensure national security,” the official stated.
Efforts to contact representatives of the listed individuals and companies for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of publication.
The sanctions list is expected to be periodically reviewed, with further designations likely as investigations continue into terrorism financing networks.
Authorities have assured the public that measures will be taken to prevent any circumvention of the sanctions, warning financial institutions of severe penalties for non-compliance.
The Nigeria Sanctions Committee reiterated its commitment to collaborating with domestic and international partners in the fight against terrorism financing.
As the situation develops, security agencies are also expected to pursue legal action against the designated individuals and entities, ensuring accountability and adherence to anti-terrorism laws.
