Federal High Court Orders Freezing of 13 Bank Accounts in Terrorism Funding Investigation

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In a significant terrorism funding investigation, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the freezing of 13 bank accounts linked to Henry Okocha, a suspect under investigation for alleged terrorism activities. The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, issued the ruling on Friday following an ex-parte application submitted by the Department of State Services (DSS) through their legal representative, Yunus Umar.

The DSS, in its submission to the court, presented an eight-paragraph affidavit detailing the suspicious transactions involving large sums of money, believed to be proceeds of terrorism, funneled through the accounts in question. The accounts, associated with seven different banks, including First Bank of Nigeria and Guaranty Trust Bank, are at the center of the terrorism funding investigation.

The court’s ruling grants the DSS authority to freeze the accounts for 60 days, enabling them to conduct comprehensive forensic investigations into Okocha’s alleged activities. The DSS emphasized that this period is crucial for unraveling the network involved in the terrorism funding investigation and for bringing those responsible to justice.

Justice Lifu, while granting the application, highlighted the necessity of a thorough investigation into the matter, affirming that the accounts will remain frozen for the stipulated period to ensure the integrity of the ongoing terrorism funding investigation. The suspect, Okocha, is currently in DSS custody, further aiding the investigation..