The controversy surrounding the arrest of a young tech entrepreneur identified as Jude Bala by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the behest of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has sparked heated reactions across Nigeria, especially on social media.
The entrepreneur, who claims he was wrongfully accused over legitimate Google AdSense revenue, has become the focal point of a public outcry against the banking institution and the EFCC. Nigerians have taken to various platforms to express their frustrations, recount personal experiences, and call for accountability from both institutions.
A Twitter (now known as X) user, Ogbeni Bambam, criticized UBA’s alleged complicity in the arrest, stating, “This was the first time I heard about how @UBAGroup Staff teamed up with EFCC to intimidate and finish a young Nigerian guy because of Google Ads revenue. They have decided to continue with another person. Continue banking with UBA at your own risk.”
Another user, Solomon, expressed his dissatisfaction with UBA, labeling it a “very useless bank.” He wrote, “To process a simple transaction is an impossible task for them. But to call the fraud unit on a young fellow whose money is legitimate is their specialty. As if they don’t know who the REAL FRAUDS are. It will not be well with you people, UBA!”
The uproar intensified when another individual, identified as Cleverly, claimed to have been arrested under similar circumstances. “I’ve just been arrested at @UBAGroup UBA Wuse Zone 2. My account was locked due to ad revenue I received, and when I went to the bank to explain that the money was legitimate, they called the fraud unit on me. This is unfair! Pls help @TonyOElumelu,” he tweeted.
Some users connected the incident to broader systemic issues. Kunta Kite remarked, “People are insulting Kemi Olunloyo for not wanting to associate herself with this country. @realJudebela would never want to have anything to do with this country if he happens to relocate. We pray we get the institutions that will look beyond age and wallet size of individuals.”
Agbo Obinnaya, a bystander who visited the UBA Wuse Zone 2 branch, shared details of what allegedly transpired during the entrepreneur’s arrest. According to him, a police officer stated that the young man was detained based on orders to place a lien on his account and apprehend him at any bank branch in Nigeria.
Obinnaya further recounted that the entrepreneur resisted the arrest, calling his sister and friends for support, which led to a commotion at the bank. “The police officer told me that the boy became violent instead of complying with them, and his sister tore the shirt of one of the officers. They had to call for reinforcement before he could be taken into custody,” he said.
The officer reportedly added, “Investigations of this nature are not issues to be swept under the carpet by collective sentiments. If he is innocent and the funds are legitimate, then he has nothing to fear.”
While some sympathize with the entrepreneur, others have urged for a balanced perspective, emphasizing that banks and law enforcement agencies are obligated to act on court orders during investigations.
The entrepreneur is reportedly being held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. His supporters have called for legal assistance to ensure his rights are protected, with many demanding transparency in the investigation process.
As public outcry continues, UBA and the EFCC are yet to issue official statements addressing the allegations.