FG freezes GTBank account linked to Simon Ekpa over alleged terrorism financing

Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been accused of using his Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) accounts to fund terrorist activities.

Ekpa, known for his strong advocacy for secession, is alleged to have moved funds through his bank accounts to finance recruitment, arms supply, and operations aimed at destabilizing various regions. Reports indicate that he also raised money through donations and disguised transactions.

Investigations revealed that these funds were channeled through individuals and shell companies to hide their true purpose and evade financial oversight.

In response, the federal government has placed Ekpa and others suspected of terrorism financing on the Nigeria Sanctions List, freezing their bank accounts.

This decision followed a recommendation by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee during a meeting in Abuja last Thursday and was carried out under Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

As a result, Ekpa’s GTBank accounts, 0118835791, 0115442299, and 0115442275, have been frozen with immediate effect. The move, approved by the Attorney-General of the Federation and the President, also extends to all funds, assets, and economic resources linked to the sanctioned individuals and entities.

Financial institutions have been directed to identify and freeze any accounts connected to them without prior notice. Additionally, banks must report any suspicious transactions related to these individuals to the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for further investigation.

It is worth recalling that Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa on November 21, 2024, over alleged terrorist activities in Nigeria, leading to the freezing of his assets and those of linked companies.