Court Approves EFCC’s Request to Freeze 24 Accounts Linked to Alleged Terrorism Financing and Kidnapping
By Okafor Joseph Afam | December 30, 2024
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to freeze 24 bank accounts linked to Lawrence Lucky Eromosele over allegations of terrorism financing and money laundering connected to a kidnapping syndicate.
Justice Emeka Nwite approved the EFCC’s request following an ex-parte motion filed by Martha Babatunde, counsel to the commission. The accounts will be frozen for 90 days to allow for a thorough investigation, as outlined in the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1897/V/2024.
Details of the Case
According to EFCC investigator Mohammed Khalil, the accounts are connected to a syndicate involved in extorting ransom and laundering funds through cryptocurrency platforms. Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects manipulated the value of the naira and funneled proceeds into terrorist activities.
Khalil revealed that the syndicate threatened senior officials in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), including operatives and their families. Evidence of these threats, such as detailed conversations and extortion demands, was presented in court as Exhibit EFCC 1.
The accounts listed in Schedule 1 of the motion were traced through bank records and intelligence efforts, linking them to key suspect Lawrence Lucky Eromosele.
Court Ruling and Next Steps
Justice Nwite granted the EFCC’s application to preserve the funds in the accounts pending further investigation and legal action. The case has been adjourned until March 24, 2025, for further mention.
This development highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, particularly as it relates to the growing use of virtual platforms for illicit activities.
