EFCC Apprehends Former Bank Staff For Withdrawing ₦4.2 Million From Dead Customer Account

EFCC Apprehends Former Bank Staff For Withdrawing ₦4.2 Million From Dead Customer AccountIn a shocking revelation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended two former employees of Union Bank in Makurdi, Benue State, for allegedly stealing ₦4,199,500 from the account of a deceased customer. The suspects, Idah Ogoh and Agbo Okwute, were arrested following a petition by Union Bank regarding fraudulent activities linked to the account of the late Emmanuel Azer Agenna.

The spokesperson of the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale, disclosed the details in a statement released yesterday in Abuja. The fraudulent activities came to light when the family of the deceased contacted the bank to ascertain the account balance for probate processing. Shocked to find discrepancies in the balance provided by the bank, they filed a complaint about unauthorized debits.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that a debit card linked to the deceased’s account had been fraudulently issued on May 10, 2023. This card was used to make several unauthorized transactions, resulting in significant withdrawals.

Oyewale stated, “Their arrest followed a petition against them by the bank on fraudulent debits on a deceased customer, Emmanuel Azer Agenna’s account. The dealings were uncovered when the family of the deceased approached the bank for the balance on the account for probate processing. The family disputed the balance given to them by the bank and subsequently raised a complaint regarding unauthorized debits.”

Further findings by the bank revealed that the debit card procured by Ogoh was handed over to Agbo Okwute, who then delivered the card to an accomplice. This accomplice made several withdrawals from the deceased’s account.

“The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” Oyewale added. This case highlights the importance of accountability and vigilance within financial institutions to protect the assets of all customers, especially those who can no longer defend their own interests.

The arrest of Ogoh and Okwute serves as a stern reminder of the necessity for integrity and transparency within the banking sector. It underscores the EFCC’s commitment to cracking down on financial crimes and ensuring that justice is served, not only to protect individual customers but also to maintain trust in the financial system.

As this investigation progresses, it is hoped that the full extent of the fraud will be uncovered and that those responsible will face the appropriate consequences. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for all financial institutions to implement robust checks and balances to prevent similar occurrences in the future.