FirstBank of Nigeria Limited has disputed allegations of fraud made against it by a customer, Dr. Agbai Eke, labeling them as “entirely unfounded and false.”
Eke took legal action against the bank over an alleged fraudulent withdrawal of N550m from his fixed deposit account at the bank’s former Abiriba branch, now relocated to Uzuakoli.
In a lawsuit filed by his attorney, Ebuka Nwaeze, the claimant alleged that FirstBank had failed to return his deposit.
However, in response, Olayinka Ijabiyi, Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the bank, issued a statement on Friday indicating that FBN’s internal investigation revealed that the issue arose from “unprofessional and unethical dealings” between Eke and a former bank employee.
According to the bank, the transactions in question were facilitated through a personal relationship outside the bank’s knowledge or involvement.
“Our findings on the matter indicate unprofessional and unethical dealings between Dr. Agbai Eke and a former FirstBank employee, using a personal relationship to facilitate unauthorised transactions outside the bank’s knowledge or involvement.
“As the matter is currently before the court, we will refrain from further comment to allow the court to dispassionately determine the issues before it,” the statement read
FirstBank revealed that it has submitted a report to law enforcement agencies to enable a thorough investigation, and has received useful statements from interests
The bank reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and accountability, ensuring stakeholders that it will uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism while protecting customers’ interests.
