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CBN Accuses 20 #EndSARS Campaigners Of Terrorism, Says Transactions In Frozen Accounts Can Cause Security Harm

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The Federal Government was able to freeze the accounts of 20 #EndSARS campaigners after telling a Federal High Court in Abuja that the funds in their accounts might have been linked to terrorist activities.

This is according to a written address in support of a motion ex parte filed by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The CBN had in the second week of October frozen 20 accounts and thereafter approached the court to seek an ex parte order to freeze the accounts.

In the case with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1384/2020, filed before Justice A. R. Mohammed, the CBN, however, made no mention of the fact that the 20 accounts were owned by persons involved in the #EndSARS protests, but told the court that the funds might have emanated from terrorist activities.

The written address read in part, “My lord, the nature of the transactions undertaken through the defendants’ accounts are of suspected terrorism financing in contravention of Section 13(1)(a)and(b) of the Terrorism (Prevention)(Amendment) Act, 2013 and Regulation 31(2)(a)and (3)(b) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism Regulations, 2013.”

In a supporting affidavit deposed to by one Aondowase Jacob on behalf of the CBN, it was stated that the Head of the Economic Intelligence Unit of the Governor’s Department, CBN, Joseph Omayuku, had conducted an investigation on the accounts of the defendants and other individuals and entities held with certain banks in Nigeria.

According to the affidavit, the investigation showed that the owners of the accounts may have been involved in terrorist activities.

It added, “There is a grave allegation that the defendants are involved in suspected terrorism financing via their bank accounts in contravention of the provisions of extant laws and regulations. The aforesaid transactions undertaken by the defendants, using their bank accounts, can cause significant economic and security harm to the public and the Federal Republic of Nigeria if left unchecked.

“The applicant (CBN governor) is thus desirous to have the court empower him to direct the freezing of the 20 accounts listed on the annexure to this application and all other bank accounts held by the defendants.

“A freezing order of this honourable court in respect of the defendants’ accounts would also enable the investigation of the activities of the defendants to a logical conclusion with a view to reporting the same to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.”

The apex bank said unless the order was granted, it would not be able to ensure that the money remained intact, while investigations were ongoing.

The 20 accounts frozen by the CBN are domiciled in Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Fidelity Bank, United Bank for Africa, and Zenith Bank.

The accounts were said to have been flagged after they received money with the narration #EndSARS.

One of the frozen accounts, marked 0056412470 and domiciled in Access Bank, belongs to Bolatito Olorunrinu Oduala, an #EndSARS campaigner, who was appointed into the Lagos State judicial panel set up by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Another frozen account marked 0033974485 and domiciled in Access Bank belongs to Bassey Israel, the medical team coordinator for the #EndSARS protests in Port Harcourt.

Similarly, an account marked 0054676984 domiciled in Access Bank belongs to Gatefield Nigeria Limited, which paid freelance journalists to cover the protests.

Justice Mohammed froze the accounts for 180 days subject to renewal but said anyone who was not satisfied with the ruling was free to challenge it.

Freezing protesters’ accounts illegal – Aisha Yesufu

A leading member of the #EndSARS protesters, Aisha Yesufu, described the freezing of the #EndSARS protesters’ accounts as illegal, noting that the government “is behaving like a terrorist.”

She questioned the freezing of the accounts ahead of the court injunction ordering the banks to block the accounts.

Yesufu stated, “The question is, why did they freeze the accounts before obtaining a court injunction? Why the illegality? Our judiciary should know that it is an independent arm of government and there is a separation of power.

“The government should be ashamed of itself. The United Arab Emirates just convicted some Nigerians, who were accused of terrorism, and we are hearing that the government would appeal on their behalf. That is where the problem is.”

The activist accused the Federal Government of pampering insurgents while bearing down on peaceful and harmless protesters.

She added, “#EndSARS campaigners are protesters and they protested the way the Constitution allows, so all these are shenanigans. They had better focus on the terrorists.

“Bandits are laying down their arms and they are taking them to Government Houses, while Boko Haram members are being given preferential treatment, but Nigerians, who were protesting, were being killed by the government. The government is the one behaving like a terrorist right now.”

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Donald Trump Threatens Additional 10% Tariffs On BRICS, Partner Countries

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United States President Donald Trump has declared that countries aligning with the “Anti-American policies of BRICS” will face an extra 10 percent tariff.

“There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump stated in a Truth Social post.

His statement comes as the US begins formally notifying affected countries of the tariffs announced earlier this year, with letters and deals scheduled to roll out on Monday.

Trump has consistently criticised BRICS, an economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The group was initially formed to strengthen the international positions of its members and counterbalance the US and western Europe.

The bloc later expanded to welcome Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024, with Indonesia becoming the first Southeast Asian member the following year.

In January, Nigeria joined Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan as BRICS’ ninth partner country after the creation of the partner-country category at the 16th BRICS Summit in 2024.

Nigeria has continued to pursue full membership.

Since assuming office in January, Trump has rolled out a series of import tariffs on goods from other nations, including a 14 percent tariff on Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Brazil reported that BRICS foreign ministers had expressed “serious concern at the prospect of a fragmented global economy and the weakening of multilateralism” during a meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil’s statement was not a joint declaration by the bloc, as divisions among its members have grown.

The statement also did not specifically mention the United States, whose unilateral tariffs have triggered worries over a potential global economic slowdown.

When the tariffs were initially introduced, Trump encouraged affected countries to strike deals with the US in hopes of gaining concessions.

As the tariff letters are sent out on Monday, the US president told global counterparts to “take it or leave it”.

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Aare Bisoye Fagade Pays Tribute To Late Olubadan

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With deep sorrow and solemn reverence, I, Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, the Aare Asojuoba of Ibadanland, join the Olubadan-in-Council, the people of Ibadanland, and the entire Yoruba nation in mourning the passing of our highly esteemed monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Kabiyesi answered the call of his ancestors barely a year after ascending the revered throne, leaving behind a legacy of peace, quiet strength, and decades of meritorious service to our traditional system. His reign, though short, was a symbol of continuity, tradition, and grace. He brought calm to the kingdom and bore the crown with dignity, humility, and honour.

This loss is also personal to me. Nearly twenty years after the passing of my late father, Elder David Oladokun Fagade, who shared a deep and brotherly bond with Kabiyesi, I find myself once again reflecting on the values they both upheld: integrity, loyalty to Ibadan, and unshakable devotion to the Yoruba heritage. The Olubadan was not only a king; he was family, a father figure, and a respected elder whose counsel and presence meant so much to many of us.

As we mourn his passing, we also look to the future with hope and trust in the well-structured traditional succession system that has long been the pride of Ibadan. In accordance with custom and seniority, the next Olubadan is expected to emerge from the Balogun line, with Oba Rashidi Ladoja, former governor and a respected High Chief, as the most senior in line. We await the formal processes and pronouncements of the Olubadan-in-Council.

May the soul of His Imperial Majesty find eternal rest among the ancestors, and may Ibadanland continue to flourish under divine guidance and cultural unity.

O digba, Kabiyesi. Ibadanland salutes you.

Signed,
Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade fimc
Aare Asojuoba of Ibadanland
7th July 2025

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President Tinubu Demands Equity For Developing Nations At 17th BRICS Meeting

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President Bola Tinubu says there must be equity and inclusion for low-income and emerging economies in global systems. Tinubu explained that these measures should extend across governance, finance, healthcare, and climate change issues.

The president made these remarks at the 17th BRICS meeting on Saturday in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Nigeria became a partner country to the bloc in January.

According to a statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu highlighted that environmental degradation, the climate crisis, and healthcare inequalities deserve more focus, as they slow development and growth.

“Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most,” he added.

Tinubu emphasized the importance of a new path of justice, anchored on fairness, sustainable technology transfer, and accessible financing, to help emerging economies fully benefit from various initiatives.

“The African continent is creating the path through the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall. We believe that COP-30 will strengthen our resolve to adopt a strategic approach to achieving a healthy global environment,” the president said.

“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare.

“We must be the architects of a future that addresses the specific needs and concerns of youths, who represent 70 per cent of our population in Nigeria. Therefore, Nigeria remains guided by our long-term vision, 2050, and nationally determined contribution.

“We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions, strengthen urban resilience, champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework and achieve universal health coverage for all.

“As we approach COP-30 and look to strengthen the global health system, we believe the BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions and resolutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future.”

Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strategic collaboration that results in sustainable and inclusive development.

Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, and Wale Edun, minister of finance, accompanied the president to the summit.

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