Court orders disclosure of Sowore’s bank transactions amid investigation over alleged terrorism financing
In a significant ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has directed six banks to provide the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police with detailed account documents and transaction records related to Omoyele Sowore.
The ruling encompasses all inflows and outflows linked to Sowore from January 2024 to the present.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Tuesday after the I-G’s counsel, Wisdom Madaki, presented an ex parte motion highlighting the gravity of the allegations against Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters, who is being investigated for potential involvement in terrorism financing, money laundering, and other fraudulent activities.
“The application is meritorious. The prayer is hereby granted as prayed,” Justice Nwite stated during the hearing, emphasizing the necessity of the information for ongoing investigations.
The I-G’s motion, recorded as FHC/ABJ/CS/1757/2025, names Sowore and Sahara Reporters Media Foundation as the primary defendants, while the banks involved include United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and others.
In his application, the I-G sought crucial documents, including account opening packages and statements reflecting transaction histories, claiming that these accounts are linked to Sowore’s alleged financing of terrorism and money laundering activities.
Bassey Ibrahim, a police officer, supported the motion with an affidavit that referenced intelligence reports accusing Sowore of using these financial accounts to facilitate illegal activities, including receiving foreign financial support for terrorism.
NAN reports that investigations are currently examining no fewer than 26 bank accounts associated with Sowore and related organizations, further underscoring the complex nature of the allegations and the ongoing inquiry.
NAN
