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UPDATED: Court unfreezes #EndSARS ‘promoters’ accounts
*Strikes out suit by CBN Governor
Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in a ruling on Wednesday ordered all affected banks to immediately defreeze the affected accounts.
Justice Mohammed proceeded to strike out the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1384/2020 filed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and in respect of which the ex-parte order freezing the accounts for 180 days was made on November 4, 2020.
The judge said: “The order made by the court, ex-parte on 4rh of November 2020 freezing the accounts of the respondents in this suit, pending investigation by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria is hereby set aside and discharged.
“It is also ordered that all the accounts of the respondents should be defreezed immediately. This suit is accordingly struck out.
The court’s decision was informed by the withdrawal of all processes filed in relation to the suit by lawyers to all parties.
Those affected by the freezing order, who were listed as respondents in the case included 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 are Umoh Ekanem, Babatunde Segun, Mulu Teghenan, Mary Oshifowora, Winifred Jacob, Victor Solomon, and Idunu Williams.
At the mention of the case on Wednesday, lawyer to the CBN Governor, Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) told the court that although he filed an application on February 9 this year for the extension of the freezing order, which expired on February 4, 2021, he has thought otherwise and realised the need to discontinue with the case
Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, said he noted that the case involved young people and has spoken with the lawyer on the other side on the need to withdraw all the documents filed by parties and put a close to the case.
He added: “By implication, the order goes, the accounts will be unfrozen, and nobody will be indicted. The government has set up reconciliation panels. We should give room for a rethink on this matter.
“We have the instruction from my client, the Governor of CBN, that, in the spirit of reconciliation, we should not apply for the extension of the order.
“So, we are also withdrawing our application of Feb 9, 2021 for an extension of the order. We should allow reconciliation and peace to reign.
”Although the fourth respondent is absent, we want the order to cover it as well. So, I am withdrawing the suit and all the processes we filed,” he said.
Andoakaa assured that he would serve the affected banks with the court’s latest order.
Lawyer to the respondents, Femi Falana (SAN), confirmed that he had a discussion with Aondoakaa earlier before the court’s proceedings on the need to put the issue to rest.
Falana noted that the order ex-parte made by the court on November 4, last year expired on February 4 this year.
He added: “Our motion to have the order quashed is no longer necessary. It has been overtaken by events, since the order has expired.
“We therefore pray this court to allow us to withdraw the said motion. That will also affect all other processes filed in this matter,” he said.
Falana confirmed that the government has set up judicial commission of enquiries on police brutality, which, according to him, caused the #EndSARS protests last year.
He said his application for the withdrawal the processes filed by the respondents was also made on behalf of the fourth respondent – Gatefield Nigeria Limited – that was represented in previous proceedings by a separate lawyer, who was absent in court on Wednesday.
Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Fitr.
In a statement to mark the end of Ramadan, Araraume highlighted the significance of the month long period of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion. “As Muslims gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, I join in the cheer, wishing everyone a blessed and peaceful Eid,” he said.
The Senator expressed profound appreciation to Muslim Nigerians for their contributions to the nation’s growth, describing their faith, resilience, and patriotism as beacons of hope. “Your unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress is truly commendable,” he stated.
As the country navigates its current challenges, Araraume called for unity, understanding, and collective effort. “Let us embrace the spirit of Eid, forgiveness, generosity, and kindness, to build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come,” he urged.
Araraume also extended solidarity to President Bola Tinubu, a distinguished Muslim and the leader of APC, praising his visionary leadership and dedication to nation building. “President Tinubu’s commitment to serving Nigeria has been exemplary, and we assure him of our continued support,” he said.
Reaffirming the APC’s commitment to national prosperity, Araraume emphasized that the values of compassion, unity, and progress embodied by Eid align deeply with the party’s ethos. “As we mark this occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to creating a Nigeria where faith and ethnic background are not barriers to success,” he concluded.
President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and Britain.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said the meeting will culminate in the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, including those on trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The statement said the meeting reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, attracting foreign investment, and modernising key infrastructure to support economic growth.
It added that a major highlight of the visit was the signing of a £746 million financing agreement between UK Export Finance, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Morning Recap: Nigeria, Britain set for fresh security alliances, Saudi Arabia declares Friday Eid-el-Fitr, other top stories
The statement said the deal will fund the refurbishment of two key maritime infrastructures — the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa Quays) and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The President and the First Lady had earlier been the guests of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle.
Tinubu was accompanied by a high-profile delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed; and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
Other members of the delegation include Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani; Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal. The decision comes after extraordinary scenes in Rabat where the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch in protest, leading to a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
In a detailed statement, the CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the appeal lodged by the FRMF was “declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” This landmark ruling effectively strips Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown, rewarding the hosts for a match that descended into chaos during extra time.
The roots of the controversy lie in a heated moment deep into stoppage time when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz went down in the box. While the referee initially waved play away, a VAR review resulted in a spot-kick for the hosts. This sparked a furious reaction from the Senegalese bench, with head coach Pape Thiaw instructing his players to return to the dressing room in a protest that lasted several minutes.
The CAF Appeal Board found that “the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.” By leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on the regulations, leading to the administrative 3-0 defeat. The ruling sets aside the previous CAF Disciplinary Board decision and confirms that the protest lodged by Morocco has been fully upheld
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