Nnamdi Okonkwo, newly-appointed Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc, has rubbished claimed he was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Recall that that an online platform had claimed Okokwo was and grilled over his alleged role in the transfer of $153 million linked with embattled a former Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke from the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC).
Also, recall that in 2017, the EFCC had accused the new FBN Chief Executive of helping the former minister take the money and keep $40 million with the former Executive Director, Public Sector Accountant, First Bank Plc, Dauda Lawal.
But, on Monday, Okonkwo refuted reports that he was arrested by the EFCC over an alleged money laundering.
Okonkwo, who was a former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, described the news of his purported arrest as ‘false and baseless’, asking the public to disregard the report.
He maintained that he was with his family, over the weekend, and was never arrested as claimed by several media reports.
Okonkwo was quoted as saying, “I cannot be in my bedroom and somebody somewhere will be saying, EFCC has arrested me and that I have been in the custody of the anti-graft commission for days.
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“I have been enjoying myself with my family, apart from going to the gym to keep in form.
“I have also held a series of meetings with my new employer in the last few days. So, I don’t understand what Premium Times is saying. I can’t be in EFCC custody and they will allow me to speak to you.”
Okonkwo’s new employers, the First Bank Group had, in a statement, said that he would resume his duty from January 1, 2022 following the retirement of Eke which will take effect on December 31, 2021.
According to the statement, Okonkwo’s 30 years of banking career spanning local and international experience would be of great value to the board.