Nigerian pastor, Tunde Bakare, has warned against the arrest and freezing of bank accounts of some of the EndSARS protesters by the federal government.

On November 4, the Central Bank of Nigeria obtained an order from the Federal High Court Abuja to freeze the accounts of 19 persons and a public affairs company linked to the #EndSARS protests.

Joining other Nigerians to condemn the move, Pastor Bakare while speaking in his church on Sunday, November 15, said the recent action of the government contradicts “the olive branch” it extended to the youth in the wake of the protests. According to the clergyman, targeting and arresting citizens on trumped-up charges is a sign of regression.

“Some of the actions recently taken by the government on the heels of the #EndSARS protests may need to be reversed sooner rather than later in our collective best interest so that they do not trigger further protests.

Among such policy actions is the freezing of the accounts of young Nigerians who reportedly sponsored the protests. While I admit that, under our extant laws, banks may freeze an account upon an ex parte order granted to a law enforcement agency by a court of competent jurisdiction for the purpose of an investigation, these provisions of our Law should not be used to intimidate Nigerian youth simply because they engaged in and promoted protests against the inactions of government

Targeting and arresting citizens on trumped-up charges, deploying court probes as a tool of intimidation, and generally eroding our fragile peace, are deeply worrisome signs of regression.”

To extend the olive branch to the youth in one breath and to deprive the youth of the right to freedom of movement and property as enshrined in our constitution in another breath, will send confusing signals and cast doubts in their minds regarding the sincerity of the government.”he said