The Abuja Court of Appeal on Monday affirms a ₦85 million fine imposed by the FCT High Court against a commercial bank and the Nigeria Police Force after they freeze a customer’s bank account using an invalid court order. The appeal panel dismisses the bank’s challenge and keeps the earlier orders intact.
According to the reports, the dispute involves the account of Abhulimen & Co Law Firm. The High Court, presided over by Justice Simon Bature, finds that the Magistrates’ Court order relied on by police does not have jurisdiction over banking matters. It directs the bank to unfreeze the account and issue a public apology, and it awards ₦60 million in damages plus ₦25 million in litigation costs.
On appeal, the Court of Appeal’s three-member panel led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko upholds the finding that the bank’s actions are unlawful and in bad faith. The panel reiterates that both the bank and the police must pay the ₦85 million punitive fine, alongside the earlier remedies ordered by the High Court.
