Nigeria News

Sowore sues GTBank for N100m over unlawful account freeze since 2019

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has initiated a lawsuit against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), demanding N100 million in compensation for freezing his accounts since 2019.

IDOMA VOICE reports that Sowore claims the bank’s actions infringe on his fundamental right to property. His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, filed the case at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing GTB of freezing the accounts without valid cause or prior notice.

Sowore, who ran for president under the African Action Congress (AAC) in 2019, opened the accounts in 2015. He alleges that the restrictions, in place since 2019, have caused him substantial financial difficulties, affecting his business and personal life.

Effiong criticized the freeze as illegal, stating, “The arbitrary freezing of my client’s accounts without due process is not only unlawful but a direct violation of his rights.”

Sowore is asking the court to compel GTB to unfreeze his accounts and award him N100 million in damages for the financial strain caused. Despite numerous complaints and a formal demand letter, the bank has reportedly refused to lift the restrictions, leaving Sowore unable to access his funds and forcing him to borrow money for his expenses.

The lawsuit outlines that all of Sowore’s accounts—current, savings, and debit card—have been frozen since 2019. Additionally, Sowore seeks a court order preventing future unlawful interference by GTB and covering the cost of legal proceedings.

In his statement, Sowore expressed frustration with GTB’s lack of response, highlighting how the prolonged freeze has impacted his business operations and personal finances.

The case will proceed at the Federal High Court, with Sowore seeking both the unfreezing of his accounts and financial restitution.

Agbenu James

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