Lagos – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it is working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies in investigating certain questionable financial transactions in some commercial banks operating in the nation.
Nigeria’s main anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is presently investigating at least four banks – Fidelity, Sterling, Access and FCMB over some transactions done at the behest of erstwhile Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who is also a subject of an international money laundering and graft investigation.
The apex bank in a Monday statement by its acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said: “The CBN wishes to inform all customers of Deposit Money Banks, that it is fully aware and indeed a part of the ongoing investigation of certain financial transactions in some banks by law enforcement authorities.
“The CBN is also carrying out its own special examinations and investigations to ascertain the veracity of some allegations, as well as the extent and persons that maybe involved in such activities.
“The bank will like to reiterate that financial systems stability remains a priority and therefore assures customers and stakeholders that it will not allow the banking system to be used as a conduit for any illicit transaction.
“Some of these investigations are routine and only relate to isolated transactions; therefore, it is important to state that the safety and soundness of the Nigerian Banking Industry remains strong,’’ the statement said.
