Justice Emeka Nwite Orders Six Banks to Provide Sowore's Account Documents

Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, is facing an investigation by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities. The IGP has obtained an order from Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, directing six banks to provide Sowore's account documents and full transaction details. The investigation involves 26 bank accounts linked to Sowore, including those belonging to Sahara Reporters Media Foundation and the African Action Congress.

Key Takeaways:

• The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has obtained a court order to investigate Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities.
• The investigation involves 26 bank accounts linked to Sowore, including those belonging to Sahara Reporters Media Foundation and the African Action Congress.
• The court order directs six banks to provide Sowore's account documents and full transaction details from January 2024 to date.
• The IGP has listed Sowore and Sahara Reporters Media Foundation as the 1st and 2nd defendants, while United Bank for Africa Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Opay Digital Services Ltd, Moniepoint, and Kuda Microfinance Bank Ltd are listed as the 3rd to 8th defendants.
• The IGP argued that the relief sought was necessary to aid police investigations and that refusal would jeopardise the process.
• The affidavit attached to the motion alleged that Sowore is using the accounts for terrorism financing, money laundering, and to receive financial support from foreign partners for terrorism.

Statistics:

• 26 bank accounts linked to Sowore are under probe.
• Six banks have been directed to furnish the IGP with account opening packages, mandate cards, and certified true copies of statements of account.
• The investigation involves alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities.

Sources:

• FHC/ABJ/CS/1757/2025: The ex parte motion marked by the IGP and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
• Wisdom Madaki: The IGP's lawyer who moved the ex parte motion.
• Justice Emeka Nwite: The Federal High Court judge who granted the order.
• Sahami, Bassey Ibrahim: A police officer in the Legal Section of the Force CID who swore to the affidavit.