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Following the nationwide #EndSARS protests, the Federal Government has secured the freezing of accounts of 20 #EndSARS promoters after approaching a Federal High Court in Abuja on the basis that the funds might have been linked to terrorist activities.
This was revealed in a written address in support of a motion ex parte filed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The apex bank froze the accounts of 20 #EndSARS campaigners thereafter sought an ex parte order from the court.
However, CBN in the suit filed before Justice A, R Mohammed made no mention of the fact that 20 accounts frozen were owned by individuals that partook in the #EndSARS protest but alleged that the fuds might have come from terrorist activities.
The written address partly read, “My lord, the nature of the transactions undertaken through the defendants’ accounts are of suspected terrorism financing in contravention of Section 13(1)(a)and(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act, 2013 and Regulation 31(2)(a)and (3)(b) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism Regulations, 2013.”
The apex bank said through an affidavit deposed by its counsel, Aondowase Jacob that having conduced an investigation into the accounts of the defendants with certain Nigerian banks, it was discovered owners may have been involved in terroist activities.
The investigation was conducted by Head of the Economic Intelligence Unit of the Governor’s Department, CBN, Joseph Omayuku.
It added, “There is a grave allegation that the defendants are involved in suspected terrorism financing via their bank accounts in contravention of the provisions of extant laws and regulations. The aforesaid transactions undertaken by the defendants, using their bank accounts, can cause significant economic and security harm to the public and the Federal Republic of Nigeria if left unchecked.
“The applicant (CBN governor) is thus desirous to have the court empower him to direct the freezing of the 20 accounts listed on the annexure to this application and all other bank accounts held by the defendants.
It added that the freezing order would enable the investigation of the activities of the accused persons to a logical conclusion.
The bank added that unless the order was granted, it would not be able to ensure that the money remained intact, while investigations were ongoing.
Source: Punch
This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.
The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.