A document seen by SaharaReporters has given more insight into how the Nigerian Government was able to secure a court order to freeze the bank accounts of some #EndSARS protesters in the country.
According to the document, the government first categorised those whose accounts had been frozen as sponsors of terrorism in the country, claiming that the funds at their disposal was to further execute acts of terror in Nigeria.
The government went ahead to get the permission of the Federal High Court in Abuja to freeze the bank accounts of the affected persons.
A written address in support of a motion ex parte was filed by the Central Bank of Nigeria before Justice A. R. Mohammed.
Recall that for 13 days, Nigerians across the country poured out to the streets to protest against police brutality.
The protests resulted in the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad unit of the police.
Many of the campaigners for the demonstrations raised funds to bankroll sustenance, medical emergencies, and legal aid for the protesters.
But the CBN has now frozen the accounts of 20 such persons by securing the dubious court order.
Some of the affected individuals include Bolatito Racheal Oduala, Chima David Ibebunjoh, Mary Doose Kpengwa, Gatefield Nigeria Limited, Saadat Temitope Bibi, Bassey Victor Israel, Wisdom Busaosowo Obi, Nicholas Ikhalea Osazele, Ebere Idibie, Akintomide Lanre Yusuf, Uhuo Ezenwanyi Promise, Mosopefoluwa Odeseye and Adegoke Pamilerin Emmanuel.
Others are Umoh Grace Ekanem, Babatunde Victor Segun, Mulu Louis Teghenan, Mary Oshifowora, Winifred Akpevweoghene Jacob, Victor Solomon and Idunu A. Williams.
In the case with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1384/2020, filed before Justice A. R. Mohammed, the CBN lied that the funds might have emanated from terrorist activities.
The apex bank noted that this was in contravention of the nation's extant laws and regulations.
It argued that the transactions can cause significant economic and security harm to the country if left unchecked.
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.”
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