The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze 24 bank accounts over allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved the EFCC’s ex parte motion, allowing the accounts to be frozen for 90 days pending the conclusion of investigations.
The motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, and moved in court by Martha Babatunde.
Mr Iheanacho told the court that the accounts, linked to one Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, were under investigation for alleged involvement in a kidnapping syndicate and illegal cryptocurrency activities.
He explained, “The bank accounts in respect of which the reliefs are sought are subject to matters of investigation by the EFCC in relation to money laundering and terrorism financing.”
An affidavit deposed to by Mohammed Khalil, an EFCC investigator attached to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), revealed that the accounts were tied to a syndicate threatening senior NSA operatives and their families.
He stated, “One unknown individual contacted an operative, demanding some monies in exchange for their freedom and that of their families. Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 1 is the printout of the chat between one of the perpetrators and the operative.”
Khalil further disclosed that the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, had directed his team to investigate the threats.
Surveillance and analysis of banking instruments allegedly implicated Eromosele in the crimes.
During the hearing, Ms Babatunde informed the court that the investigation would be completed within 90 days.
Justice Nwite granted the motion and adjourned the case until 24 March 2025, for mention.
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