Business

Court Seizes ₦29 Billion Access Bank Funds Over Judgment Debt

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on November 23rd, 2025.

In a dramatic legal turn, a Federal High Court has ordered the attachment of ₦29 billion belonging to Access Bank Plc, marking one of the most significant financial seizures involving a Nigerian commercial bank in recent years. The order, issued following a longstanding judgment debt, has ignited public interest and raised questions about compliance, corporate accountability, and the financial sector’s exposure to unresolved legal liabilities.

According to court documents, the decision followed the bank’s alleged failure to satisfy a judgment debt awarded in favour of a claimant whose identity and case details were previously tied up in lengthy litigation. The court, acting on an application by the creditor, directed that funds held in various Access Bank accounts be temporarily frozen and transferred under the court’s authority to satisfy the outstanding amount.

Legal analysts describe the ruling as a stern reminder of the judiciary’s readiness to enforce compliance, even against powerful institutions. “This is not just about collecting a debt; it’s about reinforcing the rule of law,” one legal expert noted, emphasizing that financial institutions must adhere strictly to judicial directives.

Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest banks by customer base and asset value, is expected to challenge or seek clarification of the order. While the bank has yet to issue an official statement, sources suggest its legal team is reviewing the ruling and preparing the next line of action to protect depositors and maintain operational stability.

The development has also stirred discussions within the financial sector, with industry watchers pointing out the potential ripple effects. Large-scale fund seizures, they warn, could affect liquidity positions if not swiftly resolved. However, regulators generally maintain oversight mechanisms to prevent such cases from threatening overall banking system stability.

For the judgment creditor, the court’s order marks a significant breakthrough after years of legal back-and-forth. The attachment of funds is viewed as a decisive enforcement step, especially in a country where many court judgments remain unexecuted due to delays in compliance.

As parties wait for the bank’s formal response and possible appeal, the case underscores a growing trend of courts taking firmer positions in debt recovery matters—signalling to corporate entities that judgment debts can no longer be ignored or endlessly delayed.

The coming days are expected to provide more clarity on Access Bank’s next move and the wider implications of the ₦29 billion seizure on the institution and the financial sector at large.