The Central Bank of Nigeria CBN has accused champions of #EndSARS protest of carrying out acts of terrorism.
The Apex bank while requesting the court order to freeze the account of prominent #EndSARS campaigners, argued that funds in the account of the agitators were linked to suspected terrorist activities.
It went on to explain that the flow of money into the account of the EndSARS protesters was deemed ominous following investigation by head of the economic intelligence unit, Joseph Omayuku.
“There is a grave allegation that the defendants are involved in suspected terrorism financing via their bank accounts in contravention of the provisions of extant laws and regulations. The aforesaid transactions undertaken by the defendants, using their bank accounts, can cause significant economic and security harm to the public and the Federal Republic of Nigeria if left unchecked,” the written address read in part.
“The applicant (CBN governor) is thus desirous to have the court empower him to direct the freezing of the 20 accounts listed on the annexure to this application and all other bank accounts held by the defendants.
“A freezing order of this honourable court in respect of the defendants’ accounts would also enable the investigation of the activities of the defendants to a logical conclusion with a view to reporting same to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.”
It is worthwhile to note that the CBN made no mention of the fact that the 20 frozen accounts were owned by persons involved in the #EndSARS protests.
The case with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1384/2020 read in part: “My lord, the nature of the transactions undertaken through the defendants’ accounts are of suspected terrorism financing in contravention of Section 13(1)(a)and(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act, 2013 and Regulation 31(2)(a)and (3)(b) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism Regulations, 2013.”
