In a significant move, the Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the freezing of 24 bank accounts connected to suspected terrorism financing. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an ex parte application, seeking the court’s permission to freeze these accounts, some of which are reportedly associated with Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, a suspect being investigated for his involvement in a kidnapping case.
The EFCC’s application was based on the need to protect the funds in these accounts while the commission continues its investigation into illegal financial activities. According to the EFCC, the accounts are under scrutiny due to their alleged connection to money laundering and terrorism financing, including the manipulation of the naira through cryptocurrency platforms.
The EFCC’s lead counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), presented the case, emphasizing that the accounts were being investigated for links to criminal activities. These activities included blackmailing senior operatives within the National Security Adviser’s office, where threats and demands for ransom payments had been made. The syndicate reportedly tracked the personal and family details of these operatives to further their illegal scheme.
An affidavit attached to the application, filed by EFCC investigator Mohammed Khalil, revealed that the criminal network had targeted NSA operatives and their families. This included issuing ransom demands and making threats against their loved ones. The investigation has further traced these accounts, showing that funds were being covertly exchanged through cryptocurrency platforms to support terrorism-related activities.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel Martha Babatunde informed the court that the investigation would require a 90-day period to complete, during which the accounts would need to remain frozen. After reviewing the evidence and hearing the arguments, Justice Emeka Nwite granted the application, approving the freeze for 90 days and adjourning the case until March 24, 2025.
This action highlights the EFCC’s ongoing commitment to cracking down on terrorism financing and other illicit financial activities in Nigeria. As the investigation progresses, further updates on the case will be eagerly awaited.
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