An application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to freeze about 1,146 bank accounts belonging to individuals and companies over alleged unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing, has been approved by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In its ex parte motion filed before the court, the anti-graft agency said;

The bank accounts in respect of which the reliefs are sought are subject of investigation by the EFCC in relation to money laundering and terrorism financing.

“Preliminary investigation conducted thus far reveals that the bank accounts are linked to persons, who take advantage of the virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms to illegally manipulate the value of the naira and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities.

“There is a need to preserve the funds in the identified bank accounts pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution.”

Some of the account names identified in the schedule attached to the motion are Akitoye Adeyemi Ayomide with GTBank account number; 0165110025; Clyp Trading Ltd, Titan Trust Bank account number: 0000331101; Clyp Consulting Ltd, Providous account number: 9401374554; and Toyetech Platforms Ltd, Titan Trust Bank account number: 0000134962.

Also named are: Winx International Platforms Ltd, Titan Trust Bank account number: 0000135055; Shutterscore Trading Platforms Ltd, Access Bank account number: 1532363954; Tradecillion Trading Ltd, Stanbic IBTC account number: 0045672922; Nsofor Donald Nmamdi, GTBank account number: 0449088666, Kora Payments Network Ltd-Operations, UBA account number: 1022242089; Renderstack Technologies Ltd, Zenith Bank account number: 1210355120; Korex Payments Ltd, Globus account number: 5000007837; and Awe Microfinance Bank Ltd, Providous account number: 5400760781; Victor Samuel Asuquo, Opay Digital Services Ltd account number: 9020132068, Akingbade Sabit Juwon, ECOBANK account number: 3442053006; Nsofor Donald Nmamdi, Union Bank account number: 0140460572; Asuquo Victor Samuel, First Bank account number: 3153199542; Oty Ugochukwu Stanley, FCMB account number: 4039304011; Oty & Sons Global Concepts, Fidelity Bank account number: 6060410145; and Pelumi Ayandoye, Wema Bank account number: 0234852277; and David George Ajala, Fidelity Bank account number: 5090680780.

Ruling on EFCC’s ex parte motion, Justice Emeka Nwite also ordered the EFCC to ensure that its investigation is concluded within 90 days.

He said;

“It is hereby ordered as follows: That the applicant’s application is hereby granted as prayed. That an order of this honourable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offences of unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing to the extent that the investigation will be for a period of 90 days.”

The case was thereafter adjourned till July 23 for the EFCC to report its findings.