Heritage Bank: NDIC, Law Enforcement Agencies Begin Directors, Staff’s Investigation

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation(NDIC) has said it will, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, commence investigation of directors, managers and staff of the defunct Heritage Bank following its liquidation over a month ago.

This was stated by the managing director of NDIC, Mr Bello Hassan at the 2024 capacity building workshop for law enforcement agencies on ‘Inter-Agency Collaboration in the Fight Against Financial Malpractices in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria’ in Lagos yesterday.

Stating that, those behind the collar of the bank will be brought to book, Hassan, who was represented by NDIC’s director, Corporate Communications, Bashir Nuhu, noted that, through its collaboration with law enforcement agencies, 14 prosecution cases are ongoing at various courts, 18 ongoing investigation with FMIU, 8 with EFCC and 9:concluded investigations with Federal Ministry of Justice for advice and prosecution.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria recently revoked the banking licence of Heritage Bank PLC which may require you to be called upon to investigate some of the Directors, Managers and officers of this failed insured Institution with a view to bring to book those found culpable in the collapse of this institution.

“The Corporation as a key participant in the financial safety-net, has over the years taken the fight against insider abuses and financial malpractices in banks very seriously. As you all know, a safe and sound banking environment is an essential ingredient of financial system stability which of course is the bedrock for economic development of every nation.

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“We are not unaware of the challenges of investigating and prosecuting financial malpractices and bank fraud cases but wish to urge you not to relent in your efforts and be rest assured of our unflinching support at all times,” he pointed out.

Hassan noted that, the theme of the workshop ‘Effective Collaboration as a strategy in the fight against insider abuses and financial malpractices in Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria’ was to re-echo its resolve to unite with law enforcement agencies in the “fight occasioned by the menace of insider abuses and financial malpractices which is a major cause of bank failure, and if not tackled is  capable of eroding public confidence in our banking system.

“Consequently, and in line with Article 12 of the Core Principles of Effective Deposit Insurance which provides for every Deposit Insurer to put in place the necessary mechanism of bringing to book parties found culpable in the failure of their bank or financial Institution.

“It is for this reason that the NDIC has been consistent since 2012 in organising this workshop to sharpen the skills of law Enforcement operatives and Officers from Regulatory Agencies that are involved in the investigation and prosecution of bank Directors, Managers and staff of banks involved in malpractices and insider abuses that might have led to the collapse of their banks or financial Institutions.

“Change is the only constant thing in life. Most changes in human endeavours come through developments in sciences, technology or innovation. As the banking system is rapidly evolving with new innovations, it is clear that a new phase of financial technology driven economy is currently reshaping the global financial services space.

“With this development, the criminally minded users of the banking system including the notorious ‘’cyber criminals’’ are busy perfecting their misplaced skills and that is why workshops like this are necessary to enable law enforcement officers to understand, accept and adapt to the dynamic operating environment.”