The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to freeze 91 bank accounts over allegations of fraud and terrorism financing.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved two separate applications brought by the EFCC, allowing the accounts to be frozen for 90 days pending the conclusion of investigations.
In the first case, the court authorized the freezing of 24 accounts linked to allegations of terrorism financing. EFCC counsel Martha Babatunde moved an ex-parte motion under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024, filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ekele Iheanacho.
The accounts were reportedly tied to Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, a suspect under investigation for kidnapping and other crimes. Preliminary findings revealed the accounts were allegedly used for money laundering and manipulating naira values via cryptocurrency platforms.
The investigation, directed by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, also uncovered threats from a syndicate targeting senior NSA operatives and demanding ransom. Mohammed Khalil, an EFCC investigator, identified Eromosele as a key figure in the crimes.
Justice Nwite granted the EFCC’s application and set March 24, 2025, for the next hearing.
In a related case, the court approved another EFCC application to freeze 67 accounts tied to a N52.9 million fraud. Babatunde moved the motion filed by Miracle Anameze under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1895/V/2024.
The EFCC sought to halt all transactions on the accounts while investigations continue. Justice Nwite, after reviewing the evidence, approved the application and adjourned the matter to March 24, 2025.
