The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an interim order to freeze 1,146 bank accounts alleged offences bordering on unauthorized dealing in forex exchange, money laundering, and terrorism financing. The Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that the accounts belonging to individuals and companies being investigated for various allegations be frozen pending the conclusion of investigations.
“That an order of this honorable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offenses of unauthorized dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering, and terrorism financing to the extent that the investigation will be for a period of 90 (ninety) days.”
“That preliminary investigation conducted thus far reveals that the bank accounts are linked to persons who take advantage of the virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms to illegally manipulate the value of naira and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.”
The court further stated that there was the need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of the investigation and possible prosecution.
Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to July 23, 2024, for mention.
Companies affected by the freezing order range from entities involved in agro-businesses, logistics and haulage, microfinance banks, and engineering, among others.
