A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an order to freeze five bank accounts linked to the alleged fraudulent diversion of N48 million intended for the purchase of a crypto mining rig package in 2023. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the interim order on November 28, 2024, following an ex parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The case arose from a petition submitted by Usman Abbas Esq to the EFCC, alleging that the suspects, including Dimeji Christopher, offered a crypto mining investment opportunity with promises of high returns.
This led the complainants to invest a total of N48,000,000 through several payments to various bank accounts provided by the suspects. The EFCC claims that the suspects failed to deliver the promised returns or refund the initial investments, prompting the investigation.
A mining rig, which was central to the investment, is a specialized computer system used for cryptocurrency mining.
At the hearing on November 28, 2024, EFCC lawyer Stanley Obilo Esq requested the court extend the freezing order, directing the banks involved to halt all outward payments, transactions, or operations related to the affected accounts until the investigation and prosecution are concluded.
As the court’s order is interim, the affected parties can challenge it or seek its dissolution. The order may also expire if the EFCC’s request for a renewal is not granted.
