ABUJA – The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Monday, said it is aware and fully in support of the ongoing probe of some banks by the nation’s anti-graft agency.
In a statement by the Apex Bank’s Acting Director of Communications, Isaac Okorafor, it however vowed not to allow the banks to be used as a conduit pipe for illicit transactions.
The bank also assured customers and indeed, Nigerians that the nation’s banking sector remains strong, adding that the probe only relate to isolated transactions.
Prompt News recalls that the Managing Directors of Fidelity Bank and Access Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo and Herbet Wigwe, were recently arrested by the anti-graft agency, EFCC, in connection with illicit transactions with top officials of the immediate past regime.
Okorafor’s statement reads: “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wishes to inform all customers of Deposit Money Banks, other stakeholders, and the general public that it is fully aware and indeed a part of the on-going investigations of certain financial transactions in some banks by law enforcement authorities.
“The CBN is also carrying out its own special examinations and investigations to ascertain the veracity of some allegations, as well as the extent and persons that may be involved in such activities.
“The Bank would like to reiterate that financial system stability remains a priority and therefore assures customers and stakeholders that it would not allow the Banking System to be used as a conduit for any illicit transactions.
Some of these investigations are routine and only relate to isolated transactions, therefore it is important to state “that the safety and soundness of the Nigerian banking industry remain strong.”
