A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered six commercial banks to release financial records belonging to Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the African Action Congress (AAC), to the Inspector-General of Police.
Justice Emeka Nwite gave the ruling on Tuesday, August 26, after considering an ex parte application filed by the police.
The motion, argued by IGP’s counsel Wisdom Madaki, sought access to Sowore’s accounts and those linked to his organisations.
Court documents show that Sowore is being investigated for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraud.
The application listed 26 accounts under scrutiny, including those tied to Sahara Reporters Media Foundation and the AAC.
The banks directed to provide details are United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Opay, Moniepoint, and Kuda Microfinance Bank.
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They are expected to submit account opening packages, mandate cards, and certified statements of transactions dating from January 2024 to the present.
In an affidavit supporting the request, police officer Bassey Ibrahim claimed intelligence suggested that Sowore was using the accounts to fund terrorism, launder money, and receive financial backing from foreign partners.
He said the records were vital to ongoing investigations.
Justice Nwite, after reviewing the submissions, agreed with the police.
“I have listened to the submissions of counsel to the applicant, and I have also gone through the affidavit evidence.
“I am of the view, and so hold, that the application is meritorious. The prayer is hereby granted as prayed,” the judge ruled.