An interim order to freeze approximately 1,146 bank accounts allegedly involved in unauthorized foreign exchange transactions has been approved by the Federal High Court in Abuja at the request of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission.
The accounts, linked to individuals and companies, will be frozen for 90 days to facilitate the federal government’s ongoing investigations into potential money laundering and terrorism financing activities.
Justice Emeka Nwite granted the request, stating, “The application is hereby approved, and the identified accounts shall be frozen for a period of 90 days, as part of the investigation involving unauthorized foreign exchange transactions, money laundering, and terrorism financing.”
The court issued the order on April 24 following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC, which identified the accounts under scrutiny as part of its investigations.
In the affidavit submitted by the EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Ekele Iheanacho, it was stated that the listed accounts were being used by individuals to manipulate Naira values illicitly through virtual cryptocurrency exchange platforms.
Among the listed accounts are those of Akitoye Adeyemi Ayomide, Clyp Trading Ltd, Clyp Consulting Ltd, Toyetech Platforms Ltd, Winx International Platforms Ltd, Shutterscore Trading Platforms Ltd, Tradecillion Trading Ltd, Nsofor Nmamdi, Kora Payments Network Ltd-Operations, Renderstack Technologies Ltd, Korex Payments Ltd, Awe Microfinance Bank Ltd, Victor Asuquo, Akingbade Sabit Juwon, Asuquo Samuel, Oty Ugochukwu Stanley, Oty & Sons Global Concepts, Pelumi Ayandoye, and David Ajala.
The court has set a mention date for July 23 to further address the matter.
Earlier in March, the court had instructed Binance Holdings Limited to provide details of Nigerian traders on its platform to the EFCC, resulting in legal action against the company and two executives for money laundering and tax evasion.