Court Orders 3 Banks To Freeze Suspected Fraudster’s Accounts

A Federal High Court, Lagos, Friday, ordered the management of three commercial banks, where a suspected fraudster, Ajineh Pius Erovwose, warehoused alleged proceed of fraud, to freeze the accounts pending conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution of the suspect by the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The  suspected fraudster’s accounts are said to be domiciled in First City Monument Bank (FCMB), United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Union Bank PLC.

Justice Sule Hassan, who presided over the court, made the order sequel to application filed and argued before the court by the EFCC lawyer, Mr. George Chia-Yakua.

The EFCC in an affidavit in support of the application deposed to by Paul Okoli, an investigator with agency stated that his employer, the EFCC, through an intelligence, got wind of allegedly unlawful activities of the suspected fraudster, Erovwose, to have defrauded under false pretence to the tune of $500,000 USD, through the said bank accounts from an American Citizen.

The deponent stated that upon investigation of the said intelligence, his agency wrote to the banks to place Post No Debit (PND), on the said accounts, but the respondent got an order from a magistrate court, which set aside the PND, and also withdrew the $500,000.00, leaving a balance of $14,000 USD.

The deponent further stated that the suspected fraudster is now at large, and that the addresses used to  open the said accounts,  were discovered to be fictitious and that it is difficult to it is difficult to get him arrested unless the account are freeze.

The investigator stated that the order of the court is needed to stop the named bank from further releasing the money, as such action will jeopardize the expedient investigation and possible prosecution of the alleged fraudster.

After listened to the submission of the EFCC lawyer, Justice Hassan said: “I have listened carefully to the submission of the applicant’s counsel, and go through the summon with the affidavit of urgency, affidavit in support, written addresses and the exhibit attached.

“This application is succeed and the prayer sought is granted”.