The Nigerian government has officially declared Simon Ekpa, some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Lakurawa terror group, and 15 businesses as terrorism financiers.

This decision was made by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) and approved by President Bola Tinubu.

According to documents from the NSC, 13 of the designated individuals and businesses are connected to IPOB or the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). Those listed include:

• Individuals: Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chinwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, and Ogomu Kewe.
• Businesses: Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises and Seficuvi Global Company.

These individuals and businesses are accused of financing terrorism, and their assets will be frozen without warning.

Simon Ekpa, who operates from Finland, is accused of organizing 49 fundraising campaigns in different countries between October 2023 and September 2024.

The NSC also claims he used social media to incite attacks on government buildings, which led to the deaths of security personnel and destruction of property in Nigeria’s Southeast.

Lakurawa is a terror group linked to Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda-affiliated organization.

The Nigerian government says the group has been involved in violent attacks, recruiting foreign fighters, spreading radical beliefs, and imposing illegal taxes in Nigeria’s Northwest. Officials warn that Lakurawa is a serious security threat and must be stopped to prevent more violence.

The Nigerian government has ordered immediate action to freeze the assets of all designated individuals and businesses. Authorities believe some companies were used as financial channels to fund IPOB and BRGIE activities.

IPOB, a separatist group seeking independence for Nigeria’s Southeast, was labeled a terrorist organization in 2017. Despite the arrest of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in 2021, IPOB continues its activities, leading to ongoing clashes with security forces.

Meanwhile, Finnish authorities arrested Simon Ekpa and four others in November last year over suspected terrorist activities following pressure from Nigeria. Legal proceedings against them are still ongoing in Finland.

The Nigerian government’s latest move signals a strong stance against terrorism financing and security threats in the country.