Court Grants DIA Permission to Freeze Suspected Terrorist Leader Idris’s Bank Account Again

The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to freeze the bank account of suspected terrorist Usman Idris for up to 30 days.

The account, held at the United Bank for Africa (UBA), will be frozen to allow the DIA to conduct forensic investigations into Idris’s alleged involvement in terror activities.

Justice Peter Lifu granted the request during an ex-parte hearing, based on an application submitted by the DIA.

Barrister S. A. Aminu, representing the DIA, presented the motion, alleging that Idris is linked to multiple serious crimes, including banditry, kidnapping, oil bunkering, and terrorism financing. The application, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1145/2024, included evidence of illicit arms purchases and sought a 90-day freeze on the account.

Despite the request for a longer period, Justice Lifu limited the account freeze to 30 days, after questioning the lawyer about the extended detention of Idris, who has been in DIA custody since February 26. Aminu explained that Idris has provided confessions leading to the arrest of additional suspects.

Justice Lifu expressed concerns over the delay in completing the investigation and reminded the DIA of the legal presumption of innocence. He also cautioned that suspects must be either charged or released within a specific timeframe.

The case follows a previous order where the judge permitted the detention of Idris and 20 other suspected terrorists, including a police ASP, for 30 days to facilitate ongoing investigations.