The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has obtained a court order to freeze the accounts of about 20 #EndSARS promoters till January 2021.
The order was pursuant to a motion ex parte filed by the CBN before a Federal High Court.
An online medium Peoples Gazette obtained the certified true copy of the order which showed that the CBN applied for the restriction of the 20 accounts on October 20, the day men in military uniform opened fire at unarmed #EndSARS protesters at Lekki toll gate, Lagos.
The CBN’s application to the court came several days after it had already ordered commercial banks to freeze the accounts.
The suit marked FHC / ABJ /CS/ 1384/ 2020 listed the 20 defendants as – Bolatito Oduala, Chima Ibebunjoh, Mary Kpengwa, Gatefield Nigeria Limited, Saadat Bibi, Bassey Israel, Wisdom Obi, Nicholas Osazele, Ebere Idibie, Akintomide Yusuf, Uhuo Promise, Mosopefoluwa Odeseye and Adegoke Emmanuel.
Others include Umoh Ekanem, Babatunde Segun, Mulu Teghenan, Mary Oshifowora, Winifred Jacob, Victor Solomon and Idunu Williams.
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Justice A. R Mohammed ordered that the accounts should be frozen for the next 90 days subject to renewal.
The order read: “A mandatory order is made empowering the plaintiff/applicant to direct the head office of Access Bank of Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Zenith Bank Plc to freeze forthwith all transactions on the 20 bank accounts listed for a period of 90 days pending the outcome of investigation and inquiry currently being conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“It is, however, directed that the 90-day freezing order, when it lapses, may be renewed upon good cause shown by the applicant.
“It is also directed that any person, whether artificial or natural, that is affected by this order may apply to the court to have his grievance or complaint heard by the court. The suit is adjourned till February 4 , 2021.”
The defendants were unaware of the restriction of their accounts as the judge did not order that they be served with any court process.
