Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has filed a lawsuit against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), demanding N100 million in damages for freezing his accounts since 2019.
Sowore contends that this action, which occurred without prior notice or valid justification, violates his fundamental rights to property and has caused him significant financial hardship.
The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Lagos by his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, challenges the legality of the account restrictions imposed by GTB.
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Sowore, who opened the accounts in 2015, claims that the freeze has severely disrupted his business operations and personal finances, leaving him unable to access his funds for the past five years.
Effiong condemned the bank’s actions, stating, “The arbitrary freezing of my client’s accounts without due process is not only illegal but also a blatant violation of his fundamental rights.”
He further emphasized that GTB had not provided any formal reason or notice before taking the action, which Sowore describes as unjustified and unlawful.
Sowore alleges that despite multiple complaints and a formal demand letter, GTB has failed to resolve the issue, forcing him to borrow money to meet his daily expenses.
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His current, savings, and debit card accounts have all been frozen, making it impossible for him to access his financial resources.
In addition to seeking N100 million in damages, Sowore is requesting a court order to compel GTB to unfreeze his accounts and prevent any further unlawful interference.
He is also seeking restitution for the costs of the legal proceedings.
The lawsuit argues that the account freeze violates Sowore’s rights under Section 44 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to property, and Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Sowore expressed frustration with the bank’s lack of response, stating that the account freeze has caused him “financial embarrassment” and severely affected his livelihood.
As the case proceeds in court, Sowore aims to not only recover his financial rights but also hold the bank accountable for its actions.
The outcome of the case will likely have broader implications for banking practices and customers’ rights in Nigeria.