Some Nigerians have expressed deep concern and are reportedly considering closing their accounts with the United Bank for Africa (UBA) following a shocking allegation by an account holder, Ibhahe Hope Ehieribo, who claimed that over ₦100 million vanished from his account after a fraudulent death claim.
Ehieribo, who recently returned to Nigeria after several years abroad, accused UBA of gross negligence, saying his life savings were withdrawn by unknown persons who presented a false death certificate to the bank.
The alleged fraud left him devastated and disoriented.
The incident, which occurred in 2023, came to light during a live video session with human rights advocate Gwamnishu Harrison, who has promised legal assistance to help the victim pursue justice.
According to Ehieribo, he had been making regular deposits into his UBA account while residing overseas.
However, upon returning home, he discovered that his account had been completely drained. Bank officials reportedly told him that his funds had been released to individuals who claimed he was deceased and buried.
He said that when he went to the bank to demand an explanation, police officers were already present, allegedly instructed to arrest him for causing a disturbance.
Ehieribo maintained that his reaction was out of sheer disbelief and anguish after learning that his entire savings had disappeared.
Harrison condemned the bank’s handling of the matter, describing it as a blatant violation of customer rights.
He vowed to hold the institution accountable through legal means.
At the time of this report, UBA had not issued an official statement.
However, Harrison later disclosed that the bank’s headquarters had contacted him, assuring that they were investigating the matter.
“UBA headquarters have reached out,” Harrison stated. “They are shocked and confused about the development. The man’s wife lives abroad, and he has no sisters.
The supposed beneficiaries, Patience and Precious, are unknown to him. Before the money was released, the fraudsters allegedly obtained a death certificate of a living person and secured a probate court order.”
He further urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and UBA Group to take immediate action, warning that the bank would be held liable for the breach.
UBA account holders Victory Oghenechoja E and Sylvia Godspower also expressed fear over the incident, saying they were considering closing their accounts in response to the alarming development.