By DAYO ADESULU
Access Bank has strongly denied claims that a sum of N500 million is missing from a customer’s account, asserting that it adheres to the highest ethical standards in its operations.
In a statement released on Sunday through its official social media channels, the bank addressed accusations made by social media influencer Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who alleged that the bank engaged in unethical practices concerning the account of a deceased customer.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank Plc. First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities that we take seriously. Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour. The allegations of missing funds in the bank are most untrue and baseless.”
Access Bank reiterated that “No N500 million or any other fund or amount is missing from the subject customer’s account or any other customer’s account with us.” The bank also highlighted that both it and independent stakeholders in the banking sector conducted a thorough investigation into the claims and reached the same conclusions.
The bank concluded by urging the public to refrain from believing sensational and unverified claims that could mislead customers.
Access Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Nigeria, has a reputation for prioritizing customer security and ethical banking practices. The recent controversy began with allegations made by social media influencer Vincent Otse, who claimed in a viral video that N500 million was missing from a deceased customer’s account. His assertions raised concerns about the bank’s handling of customer funds and its ethical standards.
In response, Access Bank took immediate action to clarify its position. The bank emphasized that it does not tolerate unethical practices and that the safety of its customers’ funds is paramount. By releasing an official statement, Access Bank aimed to reassure its customers and the public, highlighting that thorough investigations by both the bank and independent stakeholders found no evidence to support the claims of missing funds.
Access Bank’s proactive communication strategy demonstrates its commitment to transparency and customer trust. The bank also encouraged the public to critically evaluate sensational claims made on social media, reinforcing the idea that misinformation can lead to unwarranted panic and distrust.
This incident underscores the importance of ethical conduct in the banking industry and the role of social media in shaping public perception. As banks navigate the challenges of modern communication, maintaining a strong ethical stance and ensuring customer security will remain crucial for their reputation and operational success.
