The DSS secures a court order to freeze 20 bank accounts linked to a female suspect involved in terrorist activities. This move is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt terror financing networks in Nigeria.
A court order obtained by the Department of State Services (DSS) has led to a freeze on 20 bank accounts associated with Aisha Abdulkarim – an alleged female terrorist, as per reports from the Federal High Court in Abuja.
To facilitate forensic investigations into the accused individual’s alleged involvement in acts of terrorism, their bank accounts scattered across eight different banks will be frozen for a span of 60 days.
The freezing of the accounts was ordered by Justice Peter Lifu, who granted an ex-parte application made and argued before him by the DSS.
The security agency has taken custody of Yehusa Idris and Abdullahi Babayo Umar for their alleged involvement in acts of terrorism. They were apprehended from different locations.
Yunus Ishaku Umar, counsel for the DSS, presented an ex-parte application in court where he stated to Justice Lifu that the freezing order was imperative. This would grant unhindered access to investigators from the agency who intended to probe accounts domiciled across eight banks.
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Our correspondent observed a copy of the ex-parte application, labeled as FHC/ABJ/CS/1036/2024, during the proceedings.
Opay Digital Services Limited, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank, Union Bank of Nigeria, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank as well as First Banks of Nigeria and First City Monumental Banking are where the accounts are located.
Upon analyzing the accounts, it became apparent that Access Bank and Moniepoint are holding custody of five each. Four are being held by Opay while UBA oversees two. GTB, First Bank, Union Bank, and FCMB have one account domiciled under their care respectively.
Justice Lifu granted the security agency 60 days to embargo the accounts, despite their request for a period of 90 days. However, he emphasized on them being prompt and committed in carrying out their investigation duties.
The judge ruled that the law considers the accused terrorists innocent until proven guilty and, therefore, should not be burdened with any undue difficulties such as an account freeze on mere grounds of investigation.
