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FIRST BANK EMPLOYEES UNDER FIRE OVER CAR LOAN CONTROVERSY

A high-stakes controversy is unfolding at First Bank Nigeria, with over 2,000 employees embroiled in a disciplinary probe over car loans. The bank’s management has launched a wide-scale investigation into staff members who availed themselves of the car loan facility, a benefit that has been in place for years. The trouble began when 17 employees were abruptly dismissed for allegedly breaching the bank’s car loan policies. However, it emerged that the practices in question were widespread among staff, prompting the bank to expand its probe. Now, thousands of employees are facing potential disciplinary action, including dismissal. Affected staff members claim they followed established procedures when taking out car loans and purchasing vehicles. “I’ve done everything by the book,” said one employee. “I’ve taken out a loan, bought a car, and submitted all the necessary paperwork. Now, they’re saying the receipt wasn’t in my name or the bank’s. When did that become a sackable offense?” Some employees suspect ulterior motives behind the crackdown. “There’s more to this than meets the eye,” said another staff member. “Are we being punished for taking out car loans, or is this a smokescreen for something else?” Concerns have also been raised about possible regional bias in the bank’s actions. Several sources claim that most of the affected employees are from Northern Nigeria, sparking questions about fairness and inclusivity in the bank’s management. The controversy has sparked fears of a morale-killing witch-hunt, with potentially far-reaching consequences for the bank’s reputation and stability. “You can’t treat 2,000 employees like this and expect them to stay motivated and loyal,” a senior staff member warned. As the situation continues to unfold, employees are calling for intervention from the bank’s leadership, regulators, and other stakeholders. “We’ve given our all to this institution for years,” said one affected employee. “We shouldn’t be treated like criminals for following established procedures.”

ABIA BUSINESSMAN TAKES FIRST BANK TO COURT OVER ALLEGED N55M FIXED DEPOSIT FRAUD

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.