Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, Four Other Banks That Froze EndSARS Protesters' Accounts

Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, Access Bank and three other banks have been listed as banks to freeze accounts of EndSARS protesters, following Godwin Emefiele's decision to obtain a court order against about 20 protesters through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

AllNews had previously reported that Access Bank has been sued for NGN100 million for freezing the account of Gatefield Nigeria, for the company's involvement in EndSARS media coverage. Access Bank claimed it froze the account on order from CBN, however, the restriction placed on Gatefield account was without a court order.

Recall that last month of October, youth in Nigeria took to the street to protest against Police brutality, which has reportedly led to the killing of several youths and harassment as well. The protest was against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Police, hence the EndSARS protest.

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Banks Involved In Freezing Of EndSARS Protesters Account

The CBN has now gone further by securing a court order to freeze more accounts, with the apex Bank directing Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank of Africa and Zenith Bank to ensure restriction on the personal and company accounts.

The restriction is expected to last for 90 days, and could be extended upon convincing request to the Judge. The CBN filed the request on October 20, 2020, five days after the Lekki Massacre involving the Nigerian army. The request was granted by the presiding judge, A.R. Mohammed, on November 4, 2020.

The CBN applied “to freeze forthwith all transactions on the under-listed 20 accounts on the list annexed to this application as Exhibit A and all other bank accounts of the defendants/respondents for a period of 180 days pending the outcome of investigation and inquiry currently being conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria”.

Protesters Can Appeal Against Account Restriction

Note that while CBN applied for 180 days, the judge gave 90 days period, but with presentation of a good cause after the expiration of the 90days, the court can renew the restriction period. Also, the affected individuals and company can appeal against the court ruling as well.

“It is however directed that the 90 days freezing order, when it lapsed, may be renewed upon good cause shown by the applicant,” the document read.

“It is also directed that any person, whether artificial or natural, that is affected by this order may apply to the court to have his grievance or complain heard by the court.”

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Affected Individuals Whose Accounts Have Been Frozen

The government, through the CBN, placed restriction on 20 names, including one of the frontrunners of the EndSARS protest, Bolatito Racheal Oduala, who is currently on the Lagos Panel investigating the activities of the SARS unit and the Lekki Massacre.

The list and inclusion of Oduala, popularly known as Rinu, has led to criticism of the government and Emefiele. The following are names of individuals whose accounts have been restricted;

Bolatito Racheal Oduala, Chima David Ibebunjoh, Mary Doose Kpengwa, Gatefield Nigeria Limited, Saadat Temitope Bibi, Bassey Victor Israel, Wisdom Busaosowo Obi, Nicholas Ikhalea Osazele, Ebere Idibie, Akintomide Lanre Yusuf, Uhuo Ezenwanyi Promise, Mosopefoluwa Odeseye and Adegoke Pamilerin Emmanuel.

Others are Umoh Grace Ekanem, Babatunde Victor Segun, Mulu Louis Teghenan, Mary Oshifowora, Winifred Akpevweoghene Jacob, Victor Solomon and Idunu A. Williams.