Following the uncovering of a “sophisticated plot” to defraud the apex bank, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has suspended a deputy governor and four deputy directors.
While the suspended officials have not been fingered in the plot, it is believed that their suspension was to pave the way for an unhindered investigation into the situation.
The suspended deputy director was identified as Joseph Nnanna, who is in charge of Financial Systems Surveillance.
The deputy director in charge of payment, the deputy director trade and exchange department, and the deputy director in the office of the governor have also been suspended.
Their suspension was reportedly ordered by the Governor, Godwin Emefiele, following the outcome of a preliminary investigation.
According to THISDAY, the officials were suspended following their failure to follow financial regulations and due process which led the bank to being defrauded of the sum of $441,000 by scammers.
The bank in a statement signed by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okoroafor, said: “A highly sophisticated plot to defraud the CBN by some criminally minded elements has been uncovered and aborted by the bank.
“Although preliminary investigations so far have not revealed any accomplices within the CBN, the management has decided to place all key personnel involved in the transaction on suspension.
“This is to ensure a full and unfettered investigation. This incidence has been reported to the relevant authorities.”
The CBN initially lost the lump of $441,000 dollars to the scammers, but $190,000 was recovered after its payment was blocked, leaving with the bank with a loss of $251,000.
The suspended deputy governor, THISDAY reported, responded to spam mails without following the bank’s laid-down processes in the treatment of such cases, leading to the loss.
At the time of the incident last month, Emefiele was said to be on a plane to China with some top officials of the bank.
Two of the perpetrators of the act have however been apprehended in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.