Zenith Bank Plc and Jaiz Bank have both issued statements refuting claims of their respective Chief Executive Officers’ arrests by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the investigation of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu.
Zenith Bank’s Company Secretary/General Counsel, Michael Otu, stated that the reports circulating on social media alleging the arrest of Zenith Bank’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, were entirely false. Otu clarified that Dr. Onyeagwu was not arrested or detained by the EFCC or any anti-graft agency and is actively performing his duties at the bank. The bank emphasized its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of banking and financial services.
Jaiz Bank, in response to media reports, explained that its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer was not arrested but had honored an invitation by the EFCC to provide documents to aid the agency’s investigation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
The bank clarified that the interaction with the EFCC was cordial, and the MD immediately resumed his duties. Jaiz Bank emphasized that it had submitted documents related to accounts opened by the Ministry and was committed to contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy in an ethical and professional manner.
The statements from both banks seek to dispel misinformation and ensure that the public and stakeholders are accurately informed about the situation.