#EndSARS Freezed Accounts: CBN Links Protesters To Terrorism—-The case brought before the Federal High court of Justice A. R. Mohammed seeking to freeze accounts of 19 Nigerians and public affairs company linked to the End SARS protests told the court that the funds might have emanated from terrorist activities.
The Genius Media recalls that on Friday, the federal High Court in Abuja granted the request of the Central Bank of Nigeria ex-parte.
In the case with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1384/2020, filed before the court, the CBN, however, made no mention of the fact that the 20 accounts were owned by persons involved in the #EndSARS protests.
The written address read in part:
“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.”
Aondowase Jacob, in an affidavit released on behalf of the CBN, noted that the Head of the Economic Intelligence Unit of the Governor’s Department, CBN, Joseph Omayuku, had conducted an investigation on the accounts of the defendants and other individuals and entities held with certain banks in Nigeria.
According to the affidavit, investigation carried out has shown that the owners of the accounts may have been involved in terrorist activities.
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.”
“A freezing order of this honourable court in respect of the defendants’ accounts would also enable the investigation of the activities of the defendants to a logical conclusion with a view to reporting same to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.”
