Supreme Court Finds No Merit In Abacha Family’s Request To Unfreeze Overseas Accounts

The Supreme Court on Friday said there was no merit in an appeal filed by a family member of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha (Ali) regarding monies kept in some financial institutions abroad.

Premium Times reports that a five-man panel led by Sylvester Ngwuta, interpreted Ali’s appeal as being the same with a former suit filed by Abacha’s son, Mohammed, bordering on the same matter.

The family members wanted the foriegn accounts unfrozen so they could use the funds there in.

But the apex court dismissed the appeal, saying Ali’s counsel was unable to argue its prayers and persuade the court.

“Although the appellants are different, the facts and issues in contention are the same. Both had their bank accounts in Switzerland and other countries frozen as result of the authorisation given to the Swiss law firm by the respondents.

“He has not advanced any superior argument to warrant a departure from our decision in that case. This issue is resolved against the appellant.

“In conclusion, I find this appeal to be devoid of merit. It is hereby dismissed,” the panel ruled.

Recall that the former military dictator, who passed on in 1998 was accused of looting millions of public funds.