…Akugbe Urges CBN, Law Enforcement to Intervene and Ensure Justice
A customer of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Izogie Evanni Akugbe, has demanded an urgent and thorough investigation into what he described as an illegal breach of his bank account allegedly orchestrated with the help of some First Bank employees.
In a letter dated December 13, 2024, and signed by his legal counsel, Ikeorha Kehinde, Mr. Akugbe expressed shock and dismay over the unauthorized access to his account—number 3081431121—by an unidentified individual who allegedly acted in connivance with insiders at the bank.
According to the petition submitted to the bank, on December 10, 2024, Mr. Akugbe was informed by an anonymous source that sensitive information, including his account number, name, and Bank Verification Number (BVN), had been obtained directly from First Bank staff.
Disturbingly, it was also revealed that his detailed account statement and current balance were shared without his consent.
“Our client is gravely concerned that this breach of confidentiality by First Bank has put his life at risk. He now fears possible kidnapping and is suffering from severe mental and physical stress, including high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety—all of which have negatively impacted his health and disrupted his business operations,” the letter stated.
The petition called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the alleged misconduct by First Bank staff, and a detailed report of the findings to be submitted to his legal team.
In response, First Bank, through a letter dated January 28, 2025, and signed by its Legal Officer in Abuja, Maria Atoyebi, acknowledged receipt of the petition and assured that the matter was under investigation.
“We have taken cognizance of your client’s concerns as outlined in the petition. The issues raised are currently being investigated, and the bank will respond accordingly based on the findings,” the letter read.
However, more than three months after the bank’s official response, Mr. Akugbe told our correspondent that there has been no further communication or visible action taken to identify and prosecute those responsible for the breach.
“The silence from First Bank is disturbing. I feel exposed and betrayed. This matter cannot be swept under the carpet,” he lamented.
Mr. Akugbe is now calling on regulatory authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and law enforcement agencies, to intervene and ensure accountability and justice in the matter.
