Access Bank accused of cleaning out N500m from late customer’s account

Access Bank

Access Bank PLC has been accused of cleaning out N500 million from the account of its late customer, Awa Indongesit Edet.

Social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, revealed that the customer died on April 17, 2019.

Edet, who was said to have been ill before he died, reportedly told his sister, Bassey Edet Awa, of all the properties he owns.

This included N500 million in his account with Access Bank PLC.

Because he did not leave behind a will, Edet’s sister went to obtain a letter of administration.

Following this, she was advised to write the Central Bank of Nigeria to confirm the state of her brother’s accounts in all the banks he has money.

CBN responded, confirming the existence of the over N500 million in Access Bank PLC and others, including Guaranty Trust Bank, Diamond Bank, and Keystone Bank.

While other banks gave her access to the money, Access Bank PLC said nothing of sort exists.

Responding to the allegation, the Management of Access Bank PLC on Sunday said it was false.

In a statement, the bank said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.

“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.

“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.

“There is no N500 million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.

“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.

“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.

“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.

“We remain committed to serving our customers.”