Court Approves EFCC’s Request To Freeze 24 Bank Accounts Linked To Terrorism Financing

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the EFCC approval to freeze 24 bank accounts over alleged involvement in terrorism financing and money laundering.

Court Approves EFCC’s Motion to Freeze 24 Bank Accounts Over Terrorism Financing

Abuja, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze 24 bank accounts across various financial institutions over allegations of terrorism financing.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s request following an ex-parte motion moved by the commission’s counsel, Martha Babatunde. The accounts will remain frozen for 90 days, enabling the EFCC to conclude its investigations into the matter.

Allegations and Investigation Details

The ex-parte motion, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, was filed by senior advocate Ekele Iheanacho. The accounts under investigation are owned by Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, who is allegedly linked to kidnapping and money laundering activities.

According to preliminary investigations, these accounts have been used by individuals exploiting cryptocurrency platforms to manipulate the naira’s value and launder illicit funds. Mohammed Khalil, an investigator with the EFCC’s Special Investigation Team under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), affirmed the ongoing probe.

Threats to Security Personnel

Khalil disclosed that the EFCC launched the investigation after directives from National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu. A syndicate had threatened senior NSA operatives and their families, demanding ransom payments while sharing sensitive personal details like home addresses and movements.

The investigation identified Eromosele as a key suspect, with bank accounts linked to these criminal activities. Khalil provided evidence, including chat logs and bank statements, to substantiate the claims.

Court Ruling

Justice Nwite approved the EFCC’s request to freeze the accounts, citing the need to preserve funds linked to terrorism and money laundering until the investigation concludes. The matter is set for a follow-up hearing on March 24, 2025.