Opay, Carbon, Kuda Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria
The Federal Government has placed sanctions on several financial entities, including Opay, Carbon, and Kuda Microfinance Bank, over their alleged involvement in financing terrorism in Nigeria. This follows investigations by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC), which uncovered multiple bank accounts linked to terrorist activities.
Simon Ekpa, Others Implicated
Among those sanctioned is Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), who allegedly used accounts in these financial institutions to channel funds for terrorism. Ekpa, currently detained in Finland on terrorism-related charges, was found to have operated multiple accounts linked to illicit financial transactions.
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) confirmed that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, authorized the sanctions, leading to the official inclusion of the affected individuals and entities in the Nigeria Sanctions List.
Government Freezes Accounts, Orders Prosecution
In line with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the government has ordered an immediate freeze on all funds and assets linked to the designated individuals and entities. Financial institutions are also required to block further transactions from these accounts and report any suspicious activities.
List of Accounts Used for Terrorism Financing
Authorities have identified the following accounts as being used for terrorism financing:
Opay: 8037688095, 8169916076, 7059681248, 8106940744, 9069071154, 9023765613, 8035144914, 8126308128
Carbon: 0629821223
Kuda: 2028607838
Banks, Financial Institutions Ordered to Comply
The government has directed all financial institutions to:
Immediately freeze the listed accounts and prevent any further transactions.
Report all frozen assets to the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC).
File Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the NFIU for further investigation.
Identify and report any associated financial transactions before or after the sanctions were imposed.
The freezing order extends to all assets directly or indirectly controlled, owned, or linked to the sanctioned individuals and organizations.
Public Urged to Report Suspicious Activities
As part of the enforcement measures, authorities have called on financial institutions and the general public to report any suspicious financial activities linked to these individuals to the relevant authorities via secretariat@nigsac.gov.ng or info@nigsac.gov.ng.
The sanctions mark a significant step in the government’s crackdown on terrorism financing, as security agencies intensify efforts to dismantle financial networks supporting insurgent activities in Nigeria.
