The Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria has granted the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) permission to freeze the bank account of suspected terrorist Usman Idris for up to 30 days. The account, held at United Bank for Africa (UBA), will be frozen to allow forensic investigations into Idris’s alleged involvement in terrorism and other crimes.
Justice Peter Lifu issued the order following an ex-parte application from the DIA. Barrister S. A. Aminu, representing the DIA, presented evidence linking Idris to serious offenses including banditry, kidnapping, oil bunkering, and terrorism financing. The initial request sought a 90-day freeze but was limited to 30 days by the judge.
Justice Lifu questioned the delay in completing the investigation, noting that Idris has been in custody since February 26 and has provided confessions leading to other arrests. He emphasized the legal presumption of innocence and urged the DIA to expedite their investigation and adhere to legal timelines for detention and prosecution.
This case is part of a broader investigation involving multiple suspects, including a serving police officer, all of whom are detained to allow the DIA to finalize their inquiries.
