Prove terrorists didn’t fund #EndSARS protests, Akeredolu challenge campaigners

The Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has told the #EndSARS campaigners whose bank accounts have been frozen by the Central Bank of Nigeria to show proof that the recent national youth protests were not funded by terrorists.

He urged them to approach any competent court to show the sources of funds in the frozen accounts and what the money was being used for.

Akeredolu, who is also governor of Ondo State, spoke on Wednesday on Channels Television’s Sunrise programme, said the issue was discussed last Sunday at the meeting of governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the region held in Lagos.

He said, “The issue of the accounts that were frozen was discussed but nobody said in the communique that we appreciated the government for freezing the accounts.

“We know that there are ways to get a few things done without putting it in the public glare and start contestation on the pages of newspapers. So, we know what we decided and we know what we want to do about that.

“The issue, when it was raised generated some debate here and there. But it was so clear that some people were getting to fund this for reasons other than #EndSARS. So, if we know money moved from some accounts that were suspicious, do you say the government should keep quiet? It is something we are looking into.”

Bank accounts of 20 #EndSARS promoters and protesters have been frozen after an Abuja Federal High Court had issued an exparte order to that effect as requested by the CBN.

Those whose bank accounts were frozen are Bolatito Racheal Oduala, Chima David Ibebunjoh, Mary Doose Kpengwa, Saadat Temitope Bibi, Bassey Victor Israel, Wisdom Busaosowo Obi, Nicholas Ikhalea Osazele, Ebere Idibie, Akintomide Lanre Yusuf, Uhuo Ezenwanyi Promise and Mosopefoluwa Odeseye.

Others are Adegoke Pamilerin Yusif, Umoh Grace Ekanem, Babatunde Victor Segun, Mulu Louis Teghenan, Mary Oshifowora, Winifred Akpevweoghene Jacob, Victor Solomon, Idunu A. Williams, and Gatefield Nigeria Limited.

Lagos State judicial panel of inquiry probing activities of personnel of the disbanded special anti-robbery squad had to suspend its sitting over the withdrawal of two ENDSARS campaigners and members of the panel, Bolatito Olorunrinu and Temitope Majekodunmi, whose bank accounts were frozen.

The Nigerian Bar Association, many prominent lawyers and human right activists have condemned the action of the CBN in freezing the bank accounts of youth protesters.