The Federal
high court sitting in Abuja has granted the Central Bank of Nigeria’s request
to freeze the accounts of 19 individuals and a public affairs company linked to
the #EndSARS protests.
The request, granted by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, was filed by the CBN on October 20.
The suit
marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1384/2020 listed those affected by the order to include
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 Adegoke Emmanuel.
Others
include Umoh Ekanem, Babatunde Segun, Mulu Teghenan, Mary Oshifowora, Winifred
Jacob, Victor Solomon, and Idunu Williams. The order reads
“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 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.”
According to
the court paper, the lawyers representing the CBN were led by a former
Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN).
Justice A.R
Mohammed ordered that the accounts should be frozen for the next 90 days
subject to renewal.
The judge did
not order that the defendants be served with any court process thereby leaving
them unaware of the restriction of their accounts.
Recall that
one of the promoters of the protest, Modupe Odele, had her passport seized
while on her way to the Maldives for her birthday.
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