Updated- Fidelity, Skye, Sterling, UBA deny concealing TSA funds

Skye, Fidelity, UBA and Sterling banks, four of the seven banks facing charges over $793 million unremitted TSA funds have issued statements denying concealing any TSA funds as being alleged by the authorities.

While Skye Bank said the alleged funds were held by them with the full knowledge of the relevant authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the DSS, the National Assembly and the Inspector General of Police Special Investigation Panel, Fidelity and Sterling said they had no role in the affair.

In a statement signed by Nduneche Ezurike, head, brand management and communication, Skye Bank said the $41 million kept in a NAPIMS fixed deposit account with it was not in collusion with government officials, that the funds were held with full knowledge of relevant agencies of government and therefore assured its numerous customers and stakeholders that it is a responsible corporate organisation that will always abide by the laws of the country.

“We wish to inform our numerous stakeholders that Skye Bank is a law abiding institution and will, therefore, not conduct itself in breach of the laws or policies of the government, including the TSA policy,” the statement said.

Also read: Nigeria national oil company says daily gas supply to power plants rises by 64%

On the other hand, Fidelity Bank in a statement by Charles Aigbe, its divisional head of brand and communications, said the bank had no role in the affair, that the allegations were coming as a surprise to the bank.

In the same vein, a statement from UBA said that the bank has fully remitted all NNPC/NLNG dollar deposits since August 24, 2016, emphasising that none of such funds is currently in the Bank’s books.

Bola Atta, it’s group head, marketing and corporate communications stated that the bank’s action was further corroborated by a clearance memo published by CBN on its website on the same date.

“We would like to thank all our customers, business partners and other stakeholders who have reached out to us on account of this judgement,” he said.

Equally, Sterling Bank through Henry Bassey, its chief marketing officer, brands and communications group, said it was not in possession of any TSA funds belonging to NAPIMS or the Nigerian Petroleum Development Corporation (NPDC). He further said the bank was reaching out to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF)demanding a retraction of the claim.

Reports Thursday said seven banks were currently facing charges before a Federal High Court for allegedly withholding treasury single account (TSA) funds. The banks mentioned in the reports were Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, Diamond Bank, Keystone Bank, UBA, First Bank and Skye Bank.