Access Bank apologises for freezing accounts of #EndSARS protesters

Access Bank has apologised for freezing bank accounts of eight #EndSARS promoters.

A few days ago, #BoycottAccessBank was trending on Twitter with some calling for customers to close their accounts with the bank for “colluding with the government” to oppress #EndSARS protesters.

You’ve chosen to mess with the wrong generation, @myaccessbank. Your place in history as a willing enabler of dictatorship is going to be wholly documented and archived. We are going to #BoycottAccessBank for good.

— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) November 11, 2020

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https://twitter.com/thefaridaadamu/status/1326872041673383942?s=19

So I just left Access bank Wuse, formally diamond bank, they have refused to close our accounts, claiming they will loose their jobs, we will keep fighting! it is not about workers but about a corrupt institutions colluding with the government to suppress us. #BoycottAccessBank

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— Paul Smith Obasi🦸‍♂️ (@MrDaddyMrDaddy) November 12, 2020

However, in a statement on Friday, the bank said its action was necessitated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CBN had secured a court order, directing Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank of Africa and Zenith Bank to freeze the bank accounts of 19 individuals and a company on allegations of terrorism financing.

“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, ” the statement read in part.

“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 channelled 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.”

We have always been committed to efforts that promote ease of banking and develop the communities we serve and we will not stop doing so.

We are for you always ❤. pic.twitter.com/y1wbh9pYgj

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— Access Bank Plc (@myaccessbank) November 13, 2020

The bank said it will remedy the situation and ensure the affected parties have their accounts back as soon as possible.