Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has defended the freezing of bank accounts of some #EndSARS frontliners by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, the Ondo State Governor noted that it is not the first time bank accounts have been frozen in the country. He further advised the affected individuals to approach a competent court to justify the “legitimate” source and use of funds in the frozen accounts.
Akeredolu also disclosed that the frozen accounts issue generated arguments during a meeting between governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the South-West region last week.
The Governor who stated that it was “so clear that some people were getting to fund this for reasons other than #EndSARS”, also told the youth representatives of the Lagos judicial panel which is currently probing cases of police brutality and the Lekki shootings to resume sitting while they challenge the CBN action in court.
He said;
“The issue of the accounts that were frozen was discussed but nobody said in the communique that we appreciated the government for freezing the accounts.
“We know that there are ways to get a few things done without putting it in the public glare and start contestation on the pages of newspapers. So, we know what we decided and we know what we want to do about that.
“The issue, when it was raised, generated debate. But it was so clear that some people were getting to fund this for reasons other than #EndSARS. So, if we know money moved from some accounts that were suspicious, do you say the government should keep quiet? It is something we are looking into.
“If I were counsel to those people, I will not advise them not to appear at that panel.
“Accounts are frozen, is that the first time it is done? If your account was frozen, you justify why the money was there. You explain what use you have used the money. If it is, okay, we paid this caterer to give food to these boys when they were there.”
