Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, is seeking redress for the damages caused by the prolonged freezing of his bank accounts ¹. According to court documents, Sowore opened the accounts with Guaranty Trust Bank in 2015. However, in 2019, the bank allegedly froze the accounts without providing a valid reason or notifying him, effectively restricting his access to his funds.
Sowore’s lawsuit claims that this action is a blatant infringement on his fundamental rights and has caused significant financial hardship and emotional distress. His lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, states that “the arbitrary freezing of my client’s accounts without due process is unlawful and unconstitutional”.
Sowore is requesting the court to order GTB to unfreeze his accounts immediately and award him ₦100 million in damages for the violation of his rights. Despite sending a demand letter, the bank has refused to lift the restriction or provide compensation.
The prolonged account freeze has severely impacted Sowore’s business activities, leaving him with overdue bills and expenses. He has been forced to borrow money to meet his daily needs, causing significant financial embarrassment.
The lawsuit seeks the following relief:
- Declaration of Unlawful Action: A declaration that GTB’s freezing and restricting of Sowore’s accounts is unlawful, unconstitutional, and a breach of his right to property.
- Lifting of Restrictions: An order directing GTB to lift the restriction on Sowore’s accounts.
- Perpetual Injunction: An order restraining GTB from unlawfully interfering with Sowore’s accounts.
- Damages: An order mandating GTB to pay Sowore ₦100 million in damages.
- Costs: An order mandating GTB to pay the costs of prosecuting the suit.
Sowore’s lawyer has confirmed that a demand letter was sent to GTB on April 23, 2024, but the bank is yet to respond or lift the restrictions.
