In a significant legal development, a Nigerian court has granted the request of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), ordering six commercial banks to release account details allegedly linked to human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore. The ruling, delivered in Abuja, underscores ongoing investigations into alleged financial transactions connected to the activist.
According to reports, the IGP filed an ex parte application seeking access to Sowore’s bank records to aid ongoing probes. Transitioning from petition to ruling, the court directed six leading banks to provide comprehensive details of the accounts in question, including statements, signatory information, and transaction histories. The decision is expected to shed more light on financial flows tied to Sowore, who has long been a prominent critic of government policies.
The banks ordered to comply include First Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Fidelity Bank. These institutions are now mandated to make the requested information available to law enforcement agencies within a specified timeframe. While the police have argued that the request is a routine part of due process in investigating suspected financial impropriety, Sowore and his supporters have described the move as politically motivated. Activists claim the decision reflects attempts to intimidate him due to his continued criticism of the government and his involvement in pro-democracy campaigns.
Legal experts note that the order demonstrates the judiciary’s readiness to support law enforcement in cases involving potential financial crimes. However, they also stress the importance of balancing investigative needs with citizens’ rights to privacy and fair treatment. Reactions from civil society groups have been divided. Some argue that transparency is crucial and that no one should be above scrutiny, while others caution against using judicial processes to target political opponents.
