An Abia businessman, Eke Agbai Eke, has filed a lawsuit against First Bank of Nigeria over an alleged fraudulent withdrawal of N55 million from his fixed deposit account. According to the claimant, the bank has refused to return his deposit, which he originally placed at the Abiriba branch to support the bank’s presence in his community.

Eke stated that he discovered the alleged fraud in December 2023 when he was unable to access his personal account through the bank’s mobile app. Upon visiting the Gwarinpa branch in Abuja, he was informed that N55 million had been withdrawn from his fixed deposit in six consecutive transactions, despite him being in Umuahia at the time.

Following this discovery, Eke demanded the liquidation of his fixed deposit, but the bank failed to take action. After multiple complaints, First Bank launched an internal investigation, resulting in the dismissal of several senior officials allegedly linked to the fraud.

The plaintiff’s lawyers have publicly addressed the matter, while First Bank’s legal counsel declined to comment. The case has exposed deep-seated corruption within the bank, raising concerns about the integrity of its staff and internal financial practices. As the legal battle unfolds, this incident is shedding light on what appears to be a pattern of fraudulent activities within the institution, calling for urgent scrutiny and accountability.