The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two former Union Bank employees in Makurdi, Benue State, for allegedly stealing ₦4,199,500 from the account of a deceased customer. The suspects, Idah Ogoh and Agbo Okwute, were apprehended following a petition by Union Bank regarding fraudulent activities linked to the account of the late Emmanuel Azer Agenna.
The fraudulent activities came to light when Agenna’s family contacted the bank to verify the account balance for probate processing. Upon discovering discrepancies in the account balance, the family filed a complaint about unauthorized debits. An internal investigation by the bank revealed that a debit card had been fraudulently issued on May 10, 2023, and used for several unauthorized transactions, resulting in significant withdrawals.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated, “The dealings were uncovered when the family of the deceased approached the bank for the balance on the account for probate processing. The family disputed the balance given to them by the bank and subsequently raised a complaint regarding unauthorized debits.” Further findings revealed that Ogoh procured the card and handed it over to Okwute, who then delivered it to an accomplice for fund transfers and withdrawals. The suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.