A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order freezing five bank accounts linked to a fraudulent scheme involving the diversion of N48 million intended for the purchase of a crypto mining rig in 2023. The ruling was made on November 28, 2024, following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case arose from a petition signed by Usman Abbas Esq., which was forwarded to the EFCC. It alleges that suspects, including Dimeji Christopher, offered a crypto mining investment opportunity with promises of high returns. The complainants, enticed by these promises, invested a total of N48 million through various bank accounts provided by the suspects. However, the EFCC claims the suspects failed to deliver the promised returns or refund the initial capital.
The suspects are accused of using the funds for personal gain instead of purchasing the mining rig as promised. EFCC investigations revealed that the funds were disbursed to accomplices, with no evidence of investment in crypto mining or related activities. Additionally, the funds in the implicated accounts are suspected to be proceeds of crime.
In a motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1188/2024, EFCC lawyer Sabina M. Dabak Esq. presented the case before the court, seeking to preserve the funds pending the completion of the investigation. Dabak argued that the funds were obtained through false pretenses and criminal breach of trust. The investigation also revealed that Christopher, the director of Meta Consultants Limited, had been on the run but was recently arrested by the EFCC in Kano State.
During the hearing, the EFCC requested the freezing order be extended for an additional 90 days. In response, Justice Emeka Nwite granted a 60-day interim order, with the case adjourned to January 29, 2025, for a report.
When a freezing order is issued, the affected banks are required to block transactions in the implicated accounts. However, the parties involved may seek to have the order lifted, or the order may expire if the EFCC’s request for an extension is denied.
