EFCC Secures Court Order to Freeze 24 Accounts Linked to Terrorism

Court Approves EFCC’s Request to Freeze 24 Accounts Over Terrorism Funding

• The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved freezing 24 bank accounts.
• The accounts are linked to alleged terrorism financing and a kidnapping case.
• The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made the request.

The EFCC filed an ex parte application seeking to freeze the accounts, some of which belong to Lawrence Lucky Eromosele, a suspect under investigation for kidnapping. The agency stated that the funds needed to be frozen to prevent misuse while the investigation is ongoing.

According to EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN), the accounts are tied to illegal activities such as money laundering and manipulation of naira through cryptocurrency platforms. The funds are also suspected of supporting terrorism-related activities.

An affidavit submitted by Mohammed Khalil, an EFCC investigator working with the National Security Adviser’s office, revealed that the case involves a criminal group accused of blackmailing and threatening senior officials. The group allegedly targeted operatives’ families, providing their home addresses and tracking their movements.

The affidavit identified specific bank accounts linked to the threats and ransom demands. EFCC investigators also submitted bank records as evidence, showing that funds were converted through cryptocurrency platforms to finance terrorism.

During the hearing, EFCC lawyer Martha Babatunde requested 90 days to freeze the accounts for further investigation. Justice Emeka Nwite approved the request and set the next hearing for March 24, 2025.

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