The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze 91 bank accounts linked to allegations of fraud and terrorism financing in Nigeria.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the EFCC’s applications, allowing the accounts to be frozen for 90 days to facilitate ongoing investigations by the commission.
In the first case, 24 accounts were frozen under allegations of terrorism financing with EFCC’s counsel, Martha Babatunde, presenting an ex-parte motion under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ekele Iheanacho.
The accounts were allegedly linked to Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, a suspect under investigation for kidnapping and related crimes.
Preliminary findings suggested the accounts were used for money laundering and cryptocurrency transactions that manipulated naira values.
The investigation, supervised by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, uncovered threats from a criminal syndicate targeting senior operatives within Ribadu’s office. EFCC investigator Mohammed Khalil identified Eromosele as a key figure in the alleged crimes.
Justice Nwite approved the EFCC’s request and scheduled the next hearing for March 24, 2025.
In a separate case, the court authorized the freezing of 67 accounts connected to a N52.9 million fraud. Babatunde, representing the EFCC, filed the application under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1895/V/2024, moved by Miracle Anameze.
Justice Nwite reviewed the EFCC’s evidence and granted the request, also adjourning this matter to March 24, 2025.
