The
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has reacted to claims
made by Union bank that the $2.8 million its operatives seized from two
men at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu last Friday
December 21st, was legitimate and was for a legitimate operation.Recall
that on Friday, EFCC released a statement saying it had seized the money
from the men and that a case of money laundering was being
suspected.Union bank in a statement claimed ownership of the funds,
adding that moving money in such a manner was not illegal and was a
routine.Also the Bankers Warehouse, a cash-in-transit contractor whose
officials were moving the funds on behalf of Union bank, has written a
letter to the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN saying that it did nothing
illegal and asked the apex bank to compel the EFCC to release the
money.“We want to convey to you that once again, we are facing a
challenge with one of the security agencies (this time the EFCC) which
detained our couriers while trying to board an Arik Air flight from
Enugu to Lagos, conveying currency on behalf of Union Bank. They were
transporting US dollars.When questioned, they presented their identity
cards, identifying themselves as Bankers Warehouse employees on official
CIT movement and also presented the letter of authority issued by the
bank covering the movement.“Despite this information, the EFCC insisted
on detaining our employees, taking possession of our goods and
threatening to confiscate the currency without making themselves
available to our senior managers or other agencies familiar with our
movement.”Reacting to the position of Union Bank and Bankers Warehouse,
the acting Spokesman for the EFCC, said the commission invited
officials of the bank to give explanation about the money but they
refused to show up. He said investigations were still on and the outcome
of the probe would determine the agency’s next line of action.“On the
Union Bank saga, the way forward is that investigation is ongoing. On
the detention of their staff and threat to confiscate the money, this is
neither here nor there. The two men arrested with the money were
detained because they have to offer relevant information. The bank
refused to honour invitation from the time of the arrest until we had to
go out with the story. That was when they suddenly realised they need
to honour the invitation. Be that as it may, a thorough investigation
has to be carried out as to the source and legitimacy of the money
because we are not unaware that some financial institutions are being
used to launder money.EFCC begins investigation as Union bank claims ownership of $2.8m seized at Enugu airport
The
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has reacted to claims
made by Union bank that the $2.8 million its operatives seized from two
men at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu last Friday
December 21st, was legitimate and was for a legitimate operation.Recall
that on Friday, EFCC released a statement saying it had seized the money
from the men and that a case of money laundering was being
suspected.Union bank in a statement claimed ownership of the funds,
adding that moving money in such a manner was not illegal and was a
routine.Also the Bankers Warehouse, a cash-in-transit contractor whose
officials were moving the funds on behalf of Union bank, has written a
letter to the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN saying that it did nothing
illegal and asked the apex bank to compel the EFCC to release the
money.“We want to convey to you that once again, we are facing a
challenge with one of the security agencies (this time the EFCC) which
detained our couriers while trying to board an Arik Air flight from
Enugu to Lagos, conveying currency on behalf of Union Bank. They were
transporting US dollars.When questioned, they presented their identity
cards, identifying themselves as Bankers Warehouse employees on official
CIT movement and also presented the letter of authority issued by the
bank covering the movement.“Despite this information, the EFCC insisted
on detaining our employees, taking possession of our goods and
threatening to confiscate the currency without making themselves
available to our senior managers or other agencies familiar with our
movement.”Reacting to the position of Union Bank and Bankers Warehouse,
the acting Spokesman for the EFCC, said the commission invited
officials of the bank to give explanation about the money but they
refused to show up. He said investigations were still on and the outcome
of the probe would determine the agency’s next line of action.“On the
Union Bank saga, the way forward is that investigation is ongoing. On
the detention of their staff and threat to confiscate the money, this is
neither here nor there. The two men arrested with the money were
detained because they have to offer relevant information. The bank
refused to honour invitation from the time of the arrest until we had to
go out with the story. That was when they suddenly realised they need
to honour the invitation. Be that as it may, a thorough investigation
has to be carried out as to the source and legitimacy of the money
because we are not unaware that some financial institutions are being
used to launder money.
