A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a temporary order to freeze 21 bank accounts across 13 commercial banks in Nigeria and directed the arrest of their holders. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order following an ex-parte motion presented by Ibrahim Mohammed, counsel to the Inspector-General of Police (I-G). The court ordered the banks to restrict withdrawals, place a “Post-No-Debit” (PND) on the accounts, disable ATMs linked to them, and allow only deposits during the investigation. This directive is set to remain in effect for a 90-day investigation period. Affected Banks The affected banks include Access Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Ltd, Wema Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Guarantee Trust Bank Ltd, United Bank of Africa Plc, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, First Monument Bank Plc, Heritage Bank Plc, TAJ Bank Plc, and Keystone Bank Plc. Basis for the Order The I-G filed the motion as part of a case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1965/V/2024, claiming the accounts are suspected of housing funds linked to unlawful activities, including fraud. According to Mohammed, any transactions involving these accounts would undermine the ongoing investigation. Background of the Case The investigation stems from a petition received on February 12, 2024, alleging theft and breach of trust involving a joint venture agreement between two parties. Allegations of Misconduct The accused allegedly manipulated the joint account by removing the complainant as a signatory, making himself the sole signatory. The funds meant for contract execution were reportedly diverted to multiple accounts to conceal their origin, a tactic described as promoting money laundering. Detective Glory Ohio, attached to the Force Criminal Investigation Department, stated that the suspect’s activities were motivated by a deliberate intent to steal from the joint account. Transfers were traced back to other accounts controlled by the suspect, further raising concerns about the legality of the transactions. Implications The court has adjourned the matter until April 3 for further deliberations. In the meantime, the freeze ensures the accounts remain inaccessible, preventing further withdrawals that could compromise the investigation. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, bail worth ₦500 million. This decision, delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday, comes with strict conditions. The court required Bello to provide two sureties, each owning landed property in Abuja. These sureties must present the title documents for verification by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court. Additionally, they are to submit affidavits of means and recent passport photographs, alongside the former governor. Justice Nwite further mandated that Bello surrender his international passport and remain within Nigeria unless granted permission to travel. Until the bail conditions are fully met, Bello is to remain in Kuje prison. The trial is set to begin with a full hearing on February 24 and 28, focusing on the 19-count money laundering charges brought against Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC accused Bello of being involved in an ₦80.2 billion fraud, alleging that he used five proxies to acquire luxury properties in prime locations, including Abuja and Dubai. The former governor, who served from 2016 to 2024, has denied all charges, asserting his innocence. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is facing challenges in arresting three high-profile retired military officials charged with money laundering. The suspects—former Chief of Naval Staff Usman Jibrin, retired Brigadier General Ishaya Gamgum Bauka, and former NSCDC Deputy Commandant Adam Imam Yusuf—have defied a court-issued arrest warrant, citing their “hidden” whereabouts as a barrier to apprehension. Court Order Ignored On May 4, 2024, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for the trio following charges from a whistleblower’s report. Despite this, the suspects have eluded authorities, failing to appear in court and raising concerns about their disregard for the law. The Money Laundering Scheme ICPC investigations revealed that Jibrin, Bauka, and Yusuf allegedly diverted public funds into private companies, including Lahab Integrated & Multi-Services Ltd, Gate Coast Properties International Ltd, and Ummays Hummayd Energy Ltd. The whistleblower’s petition also exposed acquisitions of luxury assets like properties in Dubai and high-end vehicles. Resistance to Arrest The suspects have used their security teams to block law enforcement from executing arrest orders. For instance, attempts to apprehend Jibrin at his Abuja residence were met with armed resistance. Implications of Evasion Despite robust evidence, including financial records and asset documentation, the suspects remain at large, stalling legal proceedings. This situation highlights systemic issues in holding influential figures accountable. The ICPC continues its pursuit, but the case underscores the broader challenges of combating corruption among high-ranking officials shielded by status and security. Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
