Access Bank has apologised for freezing bank accounts of eight #EndSARS promoters. A few days ago, #BoycottAccessBank was trending on Twitter wit
Access Bank has apologised for freezing bank accounts of eight #EndSARS promoters.
A few days ago, #BoycottAccessBank was trending on Twitter with some calling for customers to close their accounts with the bank for “colluding with the government” to oppress #EndSARS protesters.
However, in a statement on Friday, the bank said its action was necessitated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The CBN had secured a court order, directing Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank of Africa and Zenith Bank to freeze the bank accounts of 19 individuals and a company on allegations of terrorism financing.
“We want to express our sympathy for the inconvenience that eight of our customers are going through due to the restrictions on their accounts as mandated by a federal court order. We are eager for this to be resolved as soon as possible, ” the statement read in part.
“It is common knowledge that we and the entire banking industry are regulated entities and therefore operate under the authority of our regulators and law enforcement agencies. As such we are compelled to comply with regulatory directives. While acknowledging the concern of all well-meaning parties, we urge that enquiries and views be channelled to the relevant regulatory and judicial agencies where the matter is receiving attention.
“It is therefore surprising that some individuals still choose to target Access Bank in a negative manner despite not being the source of the action.”
The bank said it will remedy the situation and ensure the affected parties have their accounts back as soon as possible.
