CBN ordered freezing accounts linked to #EndSARS protesters — Access Bank
By Emmanuel Awosika
The management of Access Bank said it froze accounts of #EndSARS protesters based on an order of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The bank made this known in statement released in Abuja on Friday.
According to the statement, the bank was following an directive from the CBN when it placed restrictions on the accounts.
The bank expressed shock at negative comments targeting the bank for freezing the accounts when it was evident that it was only complying with orders.
The bank sympathised with owners of the affected bank accounts, saying it was hoping for a speedy resolution of the issue.
It said: “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.
“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 channeled 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 statement added that Access Bank has always supported efforts geared towards development of Nigeria and is among the largest employers of youths in the country.
“Access Bank has always led the way with regard to support for young Nigerians in terms of capacity building and development of SMEs.
“We continue to be concerned by the inconvenience that our affected customers are experiencing. We stand ready to play our part to remedy the situation and have them using their accounts as quickly as possible,” the bank said in its statement.
