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. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request to freeze 67 bank accounts linked to an alleged ₦52.9 million fraud case. Key Highlights:Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s application after the agency’s counsel, Martha Babatunde, presented an ex-parte motion. The motion, filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1895/V/2024, sought permission to halt transactions in these accounts pending the conclusion of investigations. The accounts, domiciled in various banks, reportedly contain proceeds of a crime linked to unauthorized withdrawals and internet fraud. Details of the Case The investigation began following a criminal petition submitted to the EFCC on October 17, 2023, by Advance Development Services Engineering Limited (ADSEL). The complaint accused Taiwo Abubakar Oluwajuwon and Heasy Enterprises of fraudulent activities involving ₦52.9 million. According to the EFCC’s investigator, Ikenna Chukwueze, a preliminary investigation revealed: The EFCC presented several exhibits to support their findings, including account statements of the alleged beneficiaries and details of the transactions. EFCC’s Request The EFCC argued that freezing the accounts is essential to prevent the dissipation of the fraud proceeds while investigations continue. Justice Nwite approved the application, noting its merit, and set the next hearing date for March 24, 2024. Investigation Insights Chukwueze disclosed that a BVN search revealed additional accounts linked to the suspects, further complicating the case. Key findings include: The EFCC emphasized that freezing these accounts is critical to preserving the funds while investigations proceed. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
