Nigeria : Court Orders Banks to Release Sowore’s Account Records to Police

By Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered six commercial banks to provide the Inspector-General of Police with full details of Omoyele Sowore’s bank accounts and transactions from January 2024 to date.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday after granting an ex parte application filed by the IGP’s counsel, Wisdom Madaki. The police told the court that Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, is under investigation for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and other fraudulent activities.

At least 26 accounts linked to Sowore—including those operated by Sahara Reporters Media Foundation and the African Action Congress—are said to be under scrutiny. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1757/2025, listed Sowore and Sahara Reporters Media Foundation as 1st and 2nd respondents, while United Bank for Africa Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Opay Digital Services Ltd, Moniepoint, and Kuda Microfinance Bank Ltd were named as 3rd to 8th respondents.

In its motion, the police sought an order compelling the banks to release account opening documents, mandate cards, and certified statements of account showing all inflows and outflows within the specified period.

Supporting the application, Bassey Ibrahim of the Force CID Legal Section claimed that intelligence reports linked the accounts to terrorism financing, alleged laundering of funds, and suspected foreign sponsorship. He argued that access to the records was essential to ongoing investigations.

In his ruling, Justice Nwite held:

“I have listened to the submissions of counsel to the applicant and examined the affidavit evidence. I am satisfied that the application is meritorious. The prayers are hereby granted as sought.”