First Bank Customer Demands Swift Probe into Alleged Account Breach

 

…Urges CBN, Security Agencies to Ensure Justice and Accountability

A customer of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Izogie Evanni Akugbe, has called for a prompt and thorough investigation into the alleged unauthorized access to his bank account, which he claims was carried out with the alleged involvement of some bank staff.

In a petition dated December 13, 2024, and signed by his legal counsel, Ikeorha Kehinde, Mr. Akugbe expressed outrage over what he described as a serious breach of trust and customer confidentiality. He alleged that his account—number 3081431121—was accessed illegally by an unknown individual, reportedly with the assistance of insiders at the bank.

According to the petition, Mr. Akugbe received information on December 10, 2024, from an anonymous source indicating that confidential details such as his account number, full name, and Bank Verification Number (BVN) had been obtained from First Bank employees.

Even more troubling was the claim that his account statement and current balance were also disclosed without his consent.

“Our client is deeply troubled by this gross violation of privacy and fears that his life is now in danger. He is experiencing severe health challenges including high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety, all triggered by the psychological toll of the incident and its impact on his business,” the letter stated.

The petition called for an immediate, independent investigation into the incident and demanded that a comprehensive report be forwarded to his legal representatives.

In its initial response, dated January 28, 2025, and signed by its Legal Officer in Abuja, Maria Atoyebi, First Bank acknowledged receipt of the complaint and assured that the matter was being investigated.

“We have taken note of your client’s concerns as raised in the petition. The issues are currently under review, and the bank will respond based on the findings of the investigation,” the response read.

However, over three months later, Mr. Akugbe revealed to our correspondent that he has received no update or indication that any concrete steps have been taken to identify and prosecute those responsible.

“The silence from First Bank is unsettling. I feel completely exposed and betrayed. This matter must not be buried or ignored,” he said.

Mr. Akugbe is now appealing to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and law enforcement agencies to urgently intervene, ensure a transparent investigation, and bring those responsible to justice.