Anti-Corruption Coalition Stages Protest at Police Headquarters in Abuja, Calls for Probe into GTB Management

The Coalition of Civil Society for Good Governance in Nigeria (CCSGGN) held a protest at the Nigeria Police Headquarters in Abuja, demanding an immediate investigation into alleged fraud and financial misconduct involving Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Limited, under the leadership of Segun Agbaje, the Group Chief Executive Officer.

The protest was sparked by claims that the bank used customers’ and investors’ funds to settle penalties in the United Kingdom. The coalition is pushing for a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

This demonstration follows a similar protest organized by the Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, October 8. The GICN accused GTB of various forms of financial irregularities, fraud, and corruption. In support of these accusations, SaharaReporters had earlier reported a statement released by the GICN, signed by its president, Edwin Omaga. The report detailed “unscrupulous, unethical, and criminal activities” allegedly carried out by the bank.

Segun Agbaje has held the position of Group Chief Executive Officer at GTB since August 2021, a period during which the accusations arose. The GICN’s Private Investigation Report (PIR), referenced in their statement, was compiled under the provisions of Section 24(d) and (e) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, alongside the organization’s second objective.

During Tuesday’s protest, the chief convener of the CCSGGN, Comrade Tijani Usman, emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force, as the lead crime-fighting agency, is expected to act on the recommendations put forward by other civil society groups. According to Usman, “The serious allegations against GTB under Segun Agbaje’s leadership should have triggered further investigations and prosecutions. However, to our dismay, this has not happened for reasons we are yet to understand.”

Usman further stated, “While we respect the authority of the Nigeria Police Force under Section 4 of the Police Act 2020 and other applicable laws to investigate crimes and prosecute offenders, we firmly believe these powers must be used judiciously to ensure that ‘the hunter does not become the hunted.’”

He continued by urging law enforcement to delve deeper into the allegations, calling on the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Department of State Services to take decisive action.

“It is our demand that the Inspector-General of Police responds to our concerns by swiftly investigating the activities of GTB under Segun Agbaje’s leadership,” Usman declared. “We will continue to engage peacefully with the relevant regulatory and crime-fighting agencies on this matter.”

Usman concluded by pledging that the coalition would not relent until justice is served, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned until justice is not only done but is seen to be done for the customers and investors of GTB.”

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