The Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) on Tuesday held a significant rally at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, calling for accountability and transparency in Guaranty Trust Bank Limited (GTB).
This rally followed their earlier revelations on October 3, where they exposed serious allegations of corruption within the bank, often perceived as a pillar of stability by its customers.
During the event, GICN representatives detailed shocking findings from their investigations, which allege that GTB, led by Segun Julius Agbaje, is engaged in a range of illicit activities, including unsolicited account openings, fictitious profit declarations, round-tripping, money laundering, and even financing terrorism.
They spotlighted a troubling case involving Mr. E, a GTB customer who lost funds due to a scam. While GTB recovered part of the lost amount, they failed to reimburse the remaining balance, leading the UK Financial Ombudsman Service to criticize the bank for inadequate response measures.
GICN also pointed to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Special Investigation Report, which implicated GTB in diverting funds from the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization Facility (NEMSF) unlawfully.
Additionally, numerous Nigerians have reported that GTB has been improperly diverting foreign currency remittances from intermediary banks abroad, creating significant obstacles for investors returning to Nigeria.
In a decisive call to action, GICN urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other regulatory agencies to investigate GTB’s practices promptly.
They warned that if these authorities fail to take action, they would seek legal recourse to compel them to fulfill their obligations.
The rally also expressed solidarity with bloggers Precious Eze, Olawale Rotimi, Rowland Olonishu, and Seun Odunlami, who are currently imprisoned on charges many view as an attempt to stifle criticism of GTB’s alleged corruption.
GICN denounced the charges, insisting that the voices of civil society must not be silenced.
Director of Publicity and Mobilization for GICN, Amb. Comr. Adebayo Lion Ogorry, delivered a powerful statement reaffirming their commitment to fighting corruption: “The struggle against corruption is a collective responsibility; for us, there is no retreat, no surrender. Solidarity forever!”
As GICN continues to challenge the status quo, the call for justice and accountability in the banking sector resonates loudly, demanding urgent attention from all corners of the nation.