Nigerian Intelligence Agency Secures Freezing Order on 13 Bank Accounts Linked to Suspected Terrorist
In a significant victory against acts of terrorism in Nigeria, the Department of the State Service (DSS) has secured an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to freeze 13 different bank accounts linked to a suspected terrorist, Henry Okocha. The accounts are housed in 7 different banks and will remain frozen for 60 days to enable the agency to conduct thorough forensic investigations into the alleged acts of terrorism committed by the suspect.
According to sources, the DSS obtained an ex-parte application and series of exhibits presented before the court, which prompted Justice Peter Lifu to permit the freezing of the accounts for 60 days. An affidavit in support of the application alleged that Okocha received millions of naira into his accounts and was strongly suspected of being the proceeds of terrorism.
As a result of the freezing order, the suspected terrorist has been taken into custody by the DSS for further investigations. The agency argued before the court that the freezing of the accounts is necessary to prevent the suspect from using the funds for illicit activities against innocent Nigerians. The embargo will also enable the DSS to unravel the perpetrators and bring them before the court for prosecution.
The seven banks where the accounts are domiciled include United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria, Providus Bank, Palmpay Limited, and Resolut Limited.
Justice Lifu turned down the DSS’s request for a 90-day freezing period, granting only 60 days for the operation. The order will automatically lapse after the 60-day period elapses.
This development comes just a week after a similar order was granted by the same court against a suspected female terrorist, Aisha Abdulkarim, who had 20 bank accounts frozen by the DSS for 60 days.
The latest freezing order is a significant step towards eradicating terrorism in Nigeria, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to combating terrorist funding and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
