A recent filing by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) at the Federal High Court in Lagos State has exposed the bank’s collusion with the Department of State Services (DSS) to illegally freeze the bank accounts of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore. The bank’s actions were allegedly based on a court order obtained by the DSS, which accused Sowore of treasonable felony and terrorism financing.
According to the GTB’s counteraffidavit, the bank received a letter from the DSS, attaching a court order dated October 17, 2019, which directed the bank to place Sowore’s accounts on “Post-No-Debits.” The bank complied with the order, freezing Sowore’s accounts and restricting his access to his funds.
Despite the Federal High Court in Abuja striking out the treasonable felony charges against Sowore in February 2024, the GTB and DSS have continued to freeze his accounts. Sowore has filed a lawsuit against the GTB, seeking N100 million in damages and an order to unfreeze his accounts immediately.
The lawsuit alleges that the GTB’s actions violate Sowore’s fundamental right to property and have caused him significant financial hardship and emotional distress. Sowore’s legal counsel, Inibehe Effiong, stated that the arbitrary freezing of Sowore’s accounts without due process is unlawful and a blatant infringement on his fundamental rights.
