News
CBN obtains court order to freeze #EndSARS promoters’ accounts
The Central Bank of Nigeria has obtained a court order to freeze the accounts of 20 #EndSARS promoters till January 2021.
The order was pursuant to a motion ex parte filed by the CBN before a Federal High Court.
The certified true copy of the order obtained by an online medium, Peoples Gazette, showed that the CBN applied for the restriction of the 20 accounts on October 20 which was several days after it had already ordered commercial banks to freeze the accounts.
The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1384/2020 listed the 20 defendants as – Bolatito Oduala, Chima Ibebunjoh, Mary Kpengwa, Gatefield Nigeria Limited, Saadat Bibi, Bassey Israel, Wisdom Obi, Nicholas Osazele, Ebere Idibie, Akintomide Yusuf, Uhuo Promise, Mosopefoluwa Odeseye and Adegoke Emmanuel.
Others include Umoh Ekanem, Babatunde Segun, Mulu Teghenan, Mary Oshifowora, Winifred Jacob, Victor Solomon, and Idunu Williams.
The banks where the accounts are domiciled include Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Zenith Bank.
The lawyers representing the CBN were led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN).
Justice A.R Mohammed ordered that the accounts should be frozen for the next 90 days subject to renewal.
“It is hereby ordered as follows, ‘A mandatory order is made empowering the plaintiff/applicant to direct the head office of Access Bank of Nigeria Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc and Zenith Bank Plc to freeze forthwith all transactions on the 20 bank accounts listed for a period of 90 days pending the outcome of investigation and inquiry currently being conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
“It is, however, directed that the 90-day freezing order, when it lapses, may be renewed upon good cause shown by the applicant.
“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 complaint heard by the court. The suit is adjourned till February 4, 2021.”
It was, however, observed that the judge did not order that the defendants be served with any court process, thereby leaving them unaware of the restriction of their accounts.
The PUNCH had reported on Wednesday that the Federal Government had clamped down on notable persons who took part in the #EndSARS protests.
The Nigeria Immigration Service had on Sunday prevented one of such persons, Modupe Odele aka Mochievous, from leaving the country and seized her passport.
The Rivers State medical coordinator of the #EndSARS protest, Bassey Israel, had also told this newspaper that his account was frozen and had threatened to sue the bank.
-The Punch
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News
Adeleke Orders Arrests After Associate Ajagungbade Is Reportedly Killed in Ife
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest anyone found to have been involved in the reported killing of his associate, Olamilekan Ajagungbade, popularly known as Emir Ajagungbade.
Ajagungbade was reportedly shot dead in Ile-Ife on Sunday amid a dispute connected to the leadership of a motor park.
Reacting to the incident, Adeleke ordered Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura to take immediate action against those responsible. The directive was disclosed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
The governor also ordered rival groups involved in the park dispute to leave the motor parks while security agencies work to restore calm.
“There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book” Adeleke said, while urging residents to remain calm.
As part of his response, the governor announced plans to bring back the Park Management System across the state, saying an Executive Order would soon be issued to provide the legal backing for the arrangement.
The renewed system is expected to regulate the operation of motor parks and garages and address disputes over their management.
Ajagungbade was described in the report as a close associate of the governor and a member of the Accord Party.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identities of those responsible had not been fully disclosed at the time of reporting.
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News
Police Arrest Two in Delta, Recover Guns, Daggers and Battle Axe
Two suspects are in police custody in Delta State following separate raids that resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other items, the state police command has said.
The latest operation involved the arrest of Chukwuka Nzete, also known as “Ododo”, in Isupe Community, Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
Police said Nzete was suspected of dealing in illegal firearms and alleged that he ran a shrine used to fortify suspected criminal elements.
Items recovered during a search of his residence included a pump-action gun, four dagger knives, a battle axe and pots containing substances suspected to be charms.
The command said detectives were investigating to establish the extent of Nzete’s activities and whether he had links with other criminal groups.
A separate operation also led to the arrest of Joel Iwomi, 36, in Umuebu, Obiaruku.
According to the police, Iwomi resisted attempts by operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit to enter his residence before officers eventually gained access and conducted a search.
The search allegedly produced a pump-action gun and 18 live cartridges.

Both suspects have been taken into custody while investigations continue.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel E. Erale, said the command would continue efforts to keep illicit firearms away from criminal elements and prevent weapons capable of threatening public safety from circulating in the state.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements, illegal firearms and other criminal activities.
The police said information supplied by members of the public would be handled confidentially.
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News
Tinubu Arrives Paris for Second Phase of European Vacation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Paris, France, as he continues his three-week annual vacation in Europe.
The President was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Ayodele Oke, following his arrival in the French capital on Sunday.
Tinubu began the holiday in London after departing Abuja on August 30. The Presidency had announced before his departure that the President would spend three weeks in Europe as part of his annual leave.
The move to Paris marks the second phase of his European vacation.
In the statement announcing the trip, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said London would be Tinubu’s first destination and that he was expected to return to Nigeria after the working vacation.
The Presidency said his return would coincide with preparations for the January 2027 general election, as political activities intensify ahead of the polls.
Tinubu is seeking another term in office on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
No detailed public itinerary has been released for the President’s stay in Paris.
The President is expected to return to Nigeria after completing the three-week vacation, in line with the schedule earlier announced by the Presidency.
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