Calls Out UBA Over Account Restrictions Without Requisite Legal Foundation
Raises Concerns Over Alleged Disclosure of Banking Information
Abuja-based businessman and Secretary of the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Muhammad Ibukun Abubakar, has petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), demanding an investigation into the alleged conduct of Justice Musa Usman of the Adamawa State High Court over claims bordering on abuse of judicial powers, lack of territorial jurisdiction and denial of fair hearing.
Abubakar’s petition, dated July 8, 2026, relates to proceedings in Suit No. HC/ADSY/9/2026 between Pavilion Motors Limited and others against the Incorporated Trustees of ALGON and four other defendants.
According to the petitioner, the dispute arose from a contract allegedly executed and intended to be performed in Abuja, with none of the parties residing or conducting business in Adamawa State.
He argued that Justice Usman lacked the requisite territorial jurisdiction to entertain the matter but proceeded to hear the case and issue orders he described as far-reaching.
Central to Abubakar’s complaint is an ex parte order allegedly granted by the court freezing his personal and corporate bank accounts, including accounts linked to his Bank Verification Number (BVN), without prior notice or an opportunity for him to be heard.
He maintained that the order subjected him to severe financial hardship, disrupted his business operations and damaged his reputation.
The petitioner further alleged that the judge issued directives that extended beyond the scope of the underlying civil dispute, including orders that allegedly triggered police actions against him despite the matter being contractual in nature.
Abubakar disclosed that the NJC had acknowledged receipt of his petition and initiated steps to review the allegations. He expressed confidence that the judicial oversight body would ensure accountability and protect the integrity of the justice system.
The controversy has also drawn attention to the alleged role of United Bank for Africa (UBA), which Abubakar accused of failing to adequately protect the interests of a customer who has maintained a banking relationship with the institution for more than a decade.
He alleged that the bank imposed restrictions on corporate accounts without what he considered the requisite legal foundation and due diligence expected of a financial institution entrusted with customers’ funds.
Abubakar also claimed that confidential statements from his bank accounts found their way into the possession of individuals identified as Paul Enyi, Ahmed Abubakar and Chukwudi Ezenwa, among others, who allegedly circulated and shared the documents with third parties.
According to him, the alleged dissemination of his private banking information exposed him to reputational damage, security risks and threats to his personal safety.
He questioned how sensitive banking records could have been obtained and circulated without his authorisation and called for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged disclosure.
The businessman described the alleged release and circulation of his banking records as a serious breach of customer confidentiality and data protection obligations, insisting that financial institutions have a duty to safeguard customers’ private information.
Abubakar further alleged that certain individuals connected to the dispute exploited their relationships and influence to advance actions against him, while maintaining that the restrictions placed on his accounts and the alleged disclosure of his banking information were unjustified.
He also raised concerns over reports that Justice Usman may continue to preside over the matter despite applications seeking his recusal and the pending petition before the NJC.
According to the petitioner, allowing a judicial officer whose conduct is under review to continue handling the case could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
Consequently, he called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and other relevant security and regulatory agencies to investigate the alleged circulation of his banking records, determine whether any laws were violated and ensure the protection of his life and fundamental rights.
He urged the authorities to identify those responsible for any unauthorised access, disclosure or distribution of his financial information and hold culpable parties accountable in accordance with the law.
As of the time of filing this report, Justice Musa Usman, UBA, Pavilion Motors Limited and the individuals named in the allegations had not publicly responded to the claims.