First Bank reacts to forgery charge by FG, says it’s ‘based on spurious allegation’

First Bank says the charge against it by the federal government is an attempt to smear its reputation.

There have been reports that the federal government filed a three-count charge against First Bank, its managing director and three others over allegations bordering on forgery.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, the bank said the reports were sponsored by its detractors.

First Bank also said the matter is sub-judice, adding that the basis of the charge was a false allegation made by “a delinquent debtor”.

“Our attention has been drawn to a sponsored sensational report by some online publications on a charge brought against the Bank,” the statement reads.

“While we will not be able to offer further comments as the matter is sub-judice, suffice it to say that the basis of the charge is a spurious allegation made by a delinquent debtor with the intention of embarrassing the Bank and tainting the Bank’s loan recovery efforts and legal enforcement of its security collateral interest in accordance with the terms thereof.

The bank assured that it would continue to explore all legitimate channels to seek redress.

“We wish to assure our numerous customers, stakeholders and the general public that FirstBank operates by the highest standards of ethical conduct and will under no circumstances involve itself in any act of illegality just as it will take necessary legal steps to check any attempt by recalcitrant debtors to fritter away depositors’ funds under its custody,” the statement adds.

“Furthermore, FirstBank remains focused on its mission of providing the best financial services to its numerous customers.