By Ayo Kehinde
Access Bank plc has dismissed a social media report of missing funds and unethical behaviour in the bank.
Social media influencer, VeryDarkMan, had called public attention to a high-stakes case involving the bank and an alleged ₦500 million inheritance dispute.
In a viral video shared on his Instagram page on Friday, VeryDarkMan claimed the family of the late Mr. Edongesi Edit Hour had been allegedly denied rightful access to the deceased’s funds in the Bank.
Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, revealed that the customer, Edet, 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.
She heeded advice to write to the Central Bank of Nigeria to know the money her late brother had in banks
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.
Reacting to the claim on Sunday, Access Bank described the allegations as untrue and baseless.
While emphasising its priority for the safety and security of customers’ funds, the bank said it does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.
It urged the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the people.
The statement reads, “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 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. Thank you.”
