The Court of Appeal has reinforced limits on freezing bank accounts after affirming an ₦85 million award arising from a Post-No-Debit restriction imposed on the strength of an order issued without jurisdiction.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld an ₦85 million award against Zenith Bank and the Nigeria Police Force over the freezing of a law firm’s bank account.
Reports by The Times Nigeria and Lawyard said a three-member panel led by Justice Adebukola Banjoko dismissed the bank’s appeal and affirmed the July 16, 2025 decision of Justice Simon Bature of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
The dispute arose after a Post-No-Debit restriction was placed on the account of Abhulimen & Co Law Firm in 2024 on the strength of an order obtained by police from a Magistrates’ Court in Mararaba Gurku, Nasarawa State.
The lower court held that the Magistrates’ Court lacked jurisdiction over the banking matter. It ordered that the account be unfrozen and awarded ₦60 million in damages and ₦25 million in litigation costs. The appellate court subsequently affirmed the decision.
The case adds to Nigerian jurisprudence on the obligation of financial institutions and law-enforcement agencies to ensure that restrictions on customers’ accounts rest on legally competent judicial orders.
READ MORE: The Times Nigeria
