In a rally against corruption, the Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), brought in lots of people Monday, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, demanding accountability from Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTB).
The rally followed their previous claims on October 3rd, where they exposed disturbing allegations of financial misconduct within against bank.
Addressing journalists and supporters, GICN officials unveiled their latest findings, claiming that GTB, under the leadership of Mr. Segun Julius Agbaje, is entangled in a web of serious violations, including unsolicited account openings, fictitious profit declarations, round-tripping, money laundering, doubtful deductions from customers accounts and even terrorism financing.
They highlighted a recent incident involving a customer, simply described as Mr. E, who lost a huge amount of money to a scam facilitated through his GTB account.
Despite partial recovery efforts, the bank failed to reimburse the remaining loss, drawing criticism from the UK Financial Ombudsman Service, they stated.
GICN’s investigation also linked GTB to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Special Investigation Report, which implicated the bank in the unlawful diversion of funds from the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization Facility (NEMSF).
Also, complaints have emerged from Nigerians alleging that GTB traps and diverts foreign currencies sent from intermediary banks abroad, often threatening recipients with unfounded accusations of money laundering.
GICN therefore demanded immediate actions from regulatory bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), against the bank.
They warned that failure to act would lead to legal proceedings aimed at compelling these agencies to fulfill their statutory responsibilities.
The rally also emphasized the plight of bloggers — Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishu, and Seun Odunlami — who were recently jailed on charges believed to be aimed at silencing dissent against the GTB’s alleged misconduct.
GICN condemned these actions, asserting that the fight against corruption must continue undeterred.
Amb. Comr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry, GICN’s Director of Publicity and Mobilization, delivered a resounding message of resilience, saying: “The fight against corruption is our collective responsibility and for us, it is no retreat, no surrender. Solidarity forever!”
