CBN Obtains Court Order To Freeze Accounts Of Suspected #EndSARS Sponsors

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has secured a Federal High Court order to freeze account of those suspected to have sponsored the EndSARS protests.

Justice A.R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, November 6, ordered the CBN to freeze the accounts of 20 suspected #EndSARS promoters till January 2021.

The order came following an ex-parte application filed by the apex bank through a team of lawyers led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN).

He ordered that the #EndSARS promoters’ accounts should be frozen for an initial period of 90 days.

However, the order is subject to renewal upon an application by the CBN.

The certified True Copy, CTC, of the order showed that the CBN applied for the restriction of the 20 accounts on October 20 which was several days after it had already ordered commercial banks to freeze the accounts of the suspected #EndSARS promoters.

Listed in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1384/2020 were – Bolatito Oduala, Chima Ibebunjoh, Mary Kpengwa, Gatefield Nigeria Limited, Saadat Bibi, Bassey Israel, Wisdom Obi, Nicholas Osazele, Ebere Idibie, Akintomide Yusuf, Uhuo Promise, Mosopefoluwa Odeseye, and also Adegoke Emmanuel.

Others were -Umoh Ekanem; Babatunde Segun; Mulu Teghenan; Mary Oshifowora; Winifred Jacob; as well as Victor Solomon, and also Idunu Williams.

The accounts were domiciled include Access Bank; Guaranty Trust Bank; Fidelity Bank; First Bank; as well as United Bank for Africa; and also Zenith Bank.

Justice Mohammed said: “A mandatory order is made empowering the plaintiff/applicant to direct the head office of Access Bank of Nigeria Plc; Fidelity Bank Plc; First Bank of Nigeria Plc; Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; United Bank for Africa Plc; and also Zenith Bank Plc to freeze forthwith all transactions on the 20 bank accounts listed for a period of 90 days; pending the outcome of investigation and inquiry currently being conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“It is, however, directed that the 90-day freezing order, when it lapses, may be renewed; upon good cause shown by the applicant.

“It is also directed that any person, whether artificial or natural, that is affected by this order; may apply to the court to have his grievance or complaint heard by the court. The suit is adjourned till February 4, 2021.”