The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday directed six commercial banks to provide Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun with detailed account records and transaction histories linked to activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore, covering the period from January 2024 to date.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the order requires full disclosure of all inflows and outflows connected to the accounts.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the ruling after reviewing an ex-parte motion presented by the IGP’s counsel, Wisdom Madaki. The motion stated that Sowore, publisher of Chronicles Reporters, is being investigated for alleged terrorism financing, money laundering, and other financial crimes.
The judge ruled in favour of the application, granting law enforcement access to the requested data.
“I have listened to the submissions of counsel and reviewed the affidavit evidence,” Justice Nwite said. “I hold that the application has merit and hereby grant the prayers as sought.”
The court document, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1757/2025, listed Sowore and the Chronicles Reporters Media Foundation as the first and second defendants. Other respondents included United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Opay Digital Services Ltd, Moniepoint, and Kuda Microfinance Bank Ltd.
The IGP requested an order compelling these banks to release account-opening packages, mandate cards, and certified copies of account statements showing all transfers and balances from January 2024 until now.
In his filing, Egbetokun argued that Sowore was under investigation for “terrorism financing, money laundering, and fraudulent activities.” He claimed the accounts in question were being used for suspicious financial dealings and foreign sponsorship linked to terrorism.
The police further maintained that access to the records was vital for their ongoing inquiry and warned that denying the request could hinder investigations.
A supporting affidavit, sworn by Bassey Ibrahim of the Force CID’s Legal Section, alleged that intelligence had shown Sowore was “using the accounts to fund terrorism, launder money, and receive backing from external partners.”
The IGP added that the respondents would not face any prejudice as a result of the application, insisting it was filed in good faith and in compliance with the Oath Act of 2024.
Reports indicate that at least 26 bank accounts associated with Sowore, the Chronicles Reporters Media Foundation, and the African Action Congress (AAC) are currently being scrutinised.
IGP’s Request To NFIU To Track Sowore’s Accounts
Over the weekend, Chronicles Reporters revealed that the IGP had written to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) requesting it to monitor and trace financial transactions involving Sowore and the media organisation.
“The IGP is deeply unsettled by Chronicles Reporters’ coverage, especially on the promotion scandal. He wrote to the NFIU, asking them to track every inflow and outflow linked to Sowore and the platform,” a source disclosed.
This move is believed to be part of wider efforts to clamp down on the organisation, which has consistently reported on corruption, impunity, and human rights violations within the Nigeria Police Force.
Insiders also revealed that the police hierarchy was angered by Sowore’s refusal to attend two separate meetings proposed by Egbetokun. Not only did he reject the invitations, but he also made the attempts public, escalating tensions between both parties.
Sowore Alleges Harassment
On Wednesday, Sowore raised fresh alarm, alleging renewed harassment by the police. Posting on his X handle, the activist said he was once again summoned for questioning at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
“Today again, I was summoned by the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the illegal Inspector General, Kayode Egbetokun,” he wrote.
According to him, the interrogation was overseen by the IGP’s Monitoring Unit, led by former SARS commander Akin Fakorede, though Fakorede was absent, citing another engagement.
Sowore claimed the police relied on corporate filings of Chronicles Reporters from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to stage what he described as a “sham trial.” He refused to provide any written statements, arguing that the exercise was politically motivated.
Refusal To Strike Deal
The activist also revealed that the police attempted to negotiate a settlement, offering to return his seized passport and drop pending charges in exchange for an understanding. He flatly rejected the proposal.
“I made it clear I will never meet with Egbetokun because, in my view, he ceased to be the legitimate IGP when he reached the retirement age of 60 in September 2024,” Sowore insisted.
The standoff has deepened in recent weeks, following several summonses from the IGP Monitoring Unit over allegations of forgery and incitement.
On August 6, 2025, Sowore honoured one such invitation, arriving at Force Headquarters with his lawyers and supporters from the Take It Back Movement. He carried a travel bag, suggesting he was prepared for detention.
Police sources claimed his name was mentioned in a petition filed days earlier, but Sowore demanded a copy before answering questions. His request was initially declined.
The former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate has repeatedly accused Egbetokun of extending his tenure unlawfully and manipulating police promotions. On July 21, 2025, he joined retired officers in a protest demanding improved pensions and welfare. During that rally, his AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses were seized by a police cameraman.
Following the August 6 questioning, Sowore was detained for more than 48 hours, sparking outrage among his lawyers and civil society groups.
His legal team, led by Tope Temokun and Marshal Abubakar, condemned the detention as vindictive and politically motivated, warning that his safety remained at risk.
On August 12, the police formally charged him with incitement, citing his involvement in the July protest. Although his stolen smart glasses were eventually returned, concerns about fair treatment persist.
Follow Chronicles Reporters on WhatsApp for more updates:
👉 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J