The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially designated Simon Ekpa and 16 other individuals as financiers of terrorism, linking them to activities that have fueled unrest in the Southeast region.
This declaration was made following an extensive investigation by security agencies, which traced financial transactions and support networks that have allegedly been used to fund violent operations, including attacks on security personnel and government facilities.
Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been at the center of controversies surrounding the enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the Southeast. Nigerian authorities accuse him of inciting violence, sponsoring attacks by armed groups, and destabilizing economic activities in the region.
According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, intelligence reports have confirmed that Ekpa and his associates have been receiving and disbursing funds to facilitate terror-related activities in Nigeria. “The government is taking decisive action against all individuals and organizations involved in funding terrorism, and legal measures will be taken against them both locally and internationally,” he said.
The designation means that the assets of these individuals could be frozen, and international efforts could be made to have them arrested and prosecuted. The Federal Government has also called on foreign governments, particularly Finland, to take action against Simon Ekpa and prevent him from using their territory to coordinate activities that threaten Nigeria’s national security.
This move is expected to intensify efforts to curb the violent agitations in the Southeast while sending a strong warning to those who provide financial or logistical support to armed groups operating in the country.