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Cool Financial Sues FCMB Over N150 Million Withdrawal From Frozen Account

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Cool Financial Services, a Lagos State-based finance house, has sued First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for allowing Goewe and Sons Ltd., one of its borrowers, to withdraw a N150 million loan sum from an account with an active freezing instruction.Goewe and Sons Ltd. is a merchandise company owned by Ewere Godwin Orobosa. In July 2023, the company first approached the finance house for a N100 million loan at a 3.5% interest rate for a duration of 30 days.Again, in September 2023, the company obtained an additional loan of N50 million at an interest rate of 1.5% for a month, bringing the entire loan to N150 million.The borrower intended to pursue a contract and needed to have the said amount in its bank account, but the loan was not to be used to execute the potential contract.Both Goewe and Sons Ltd. and Cool Financial Services then instructed FCMB to freeze the loan account so that the loan sum could remain untouched for the period of the transaction, according to a loan agreement dated September 18, 2023.The borrower had earlier written to the bank to alter its account mandate through a board resolution dated September 15, 2023. The borrower appointed Ewere-Egharevba Orobosa, representing the borrower, and Roseline Anibueze, representing the lender, as ‘Category A’ signatories to the account.The directive further specifically stated that the representative of the lender shall have the power to authorise any withdrawal below N150 million from the account while any withdrawal exceeding that amount shall be jointly authorised by the two signatories.“Those measures were put in place to guarantee compliance with the terms and conditions of the loan facility,” Oluwafemi Adediran, head of the legal unit at the finance house, told FIJ on Wednesday.After the loan duration expired, the lender wanted to withdraw it. So, on October 23, 2023, the finance house presented a transfer cheque at the Chevron branch of FCMB in Lagos confident that the money was intact. But the cheque was dishonoured and the bank revealed that the borrower had already withdrawn the loan.“Upon our investigations and findings, we became aware albeit shocked that you disregarded the lien on the account and processed a loan of N150,000,000 (one hundred and fifty million naira) on the back of the restricted facility meant only as proof of funds. What is more, we are alarmed not only by this act but by the temerity and obviously premeditated criminal falsification of the signatures of the representatives of our client as signatory ‘A’ before the consummation of the unauthorised mindless transaction,” Justice John, a legal practitioner, wrote to a business manager at Sanusi Fafunwa Branch of FCMB and the FCMB managing director on behalf of the lender on September 26, 2023 and October 26 respectively.On October 25, 2023, the lender visited the Sanusi Fafunwa Branch. There, Chukwuma Chukwuka and Isiaq Babatunde, both officials of the bank, appealed for a cure period of 72 hours to remedy the situation. An additional 48 hours was given to the bank to sort out the issue internally, according to a November 2023 court filing signed by Anibueze.Those cure periods were not adhered to. On October 31, FCMB through Tosin Talabi and Akin Akintola, both legal counsel and head of litigation for the bank, said it had commenced an investigation into the issue.“In accordance with our internal procedure, we have commenced investigations into the issues raised in your letter under reference and shall revert to you shortly with the bank’s position once the investigation (sic) is concluded,” the legal counsel wrote.“At the time we went to the bank to verify how the money was withdrawn, we found out that the freezing instruction was still active on the account. We observed that our director’s signature was forged to make the withdrawal. The question the bank has not answered is, ‘How was it possible to withdraw money from an account with an active no-withdraw order?’”More than a year after the letter referenced above, the bank was yet to reveal the findings of its investigation.SEEKING REDRESS THROUGH COURTIn November 2023, the lender filed a suit marked FHC/2377/2023 before a Federal High Court in Lagos seeking to recover losses it had incurred as a result of what it considered “a criminal conspiracy”.Sued in the lawsuit were FCMB as the first defendant, the borrower as the second defendant and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), FCMB’s regulator, as the third defendant.“A declaration that the action of the 1st defendant amounts to breach of fiduciary duties owed to the plaintiff,” the first leg of the relief read.“An order directing the 1st defendant to immediately pay the plaintiff its capital in the sum of N150,000,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira Only) with (an) interest rate of 21% per annum or at the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria’s rate from October 23, 2023, when the plaintiff’s transfer request was dishonoured by the 1st defendant despite the plaintiff’s account being funded; and without any satisfactory explanation by the 1st defendant to the plaintiff.“General damages in the sum of N250,000,000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira Only) against the 1st defendant for the economic loss, embarrassment and financial exposures suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the devastating action of the 1st defendant, bearing in mind that the plaintiff is in the business of loans and SMEs financing.“An order of this honourable court directing the 1st defendant to pay interest on the judgment sums at the rate of 21% per annum or at the prevailing Central Bank of Nigeria’s rate, from the commencement of this suit till the date of judgment, and 14% per annum from the delivery of judgment till liquidation of the entire judgment sum to the plaintiff.“An order of this honourable court directing the 3rd defendant to enforce compliance of the 1st defendant by drawing from the deposits of the 1st defendant in its care to settle all monetary sums and liabilities thereof by the 1st defendant herein in the event that the 1st defendant is unable to pay same.“The cost of this action in the sum of N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira).”The court has not fixed a hearing date for the case. At press time, FIJ learnt that FCMB had not filed any response to the lender’s filings.FCMB had not responded to a request for comments at press time. On January 15, Rafiu Muhammed, a corporate affairs and media management officer at the bank, acknowledged FIJ’s email on the phone and promised that the bank would investigate and respond soon.When asked to be specific when the bank would respond, Muhammed said, “I don’t want to give you an unrealistic time. But we will investigate and respond very soon.”FIJ sent him a reminder on January 24 and Muhammed responded, “Give us till next week.”FIJ called him again on Wednesday and Muhammed requested one more week. “We will try to expedite our investigation. Give us till next week,” he repeated.THE BORROWER’S RESPONSEIn the court documents, the lender accused the borrower of falsifying Anibueze’s signature and conspiring with the bank to withdraw the money.On January 15, FIJ contacted Godwin Ewere, the director of the borrower, for his comments. He denied falsifying any signature, stating that he had defrayed the loan and was no longer indebted to the lender.“The loan obtained from Cool Financial Services has been fully paid and liquidated. We no longer owe Cool Financial Services. No signature was forged whatsoever,” Ewere said, adding that he also wanted to sue FCMB.“I don’t want to say anything, because I want to sue FCMB.“I am ready to meet them in court. I still see my name on (the) credit bureau that I am owing them [the lender]. They are saying over N20 million, which I don’t understand.”Ewere showed FIJ a harmonised document containing a series of cheques he issued in the name of the lender.When FIJ relayed Ewere’s response to the lender’s head of legal unit, he said it was a lie. He maintained that the borrower defaulted in repaying the loan and also withdrew the money illegally.

(C) FIJ

Banking and Finance

Wema Bank concludes Capital RaiseSecond tranche of ₦50 Billion Special Placement fully subscribed

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……Bank further exceeds regulatory requirements.

LAGOS, NIGERIA – 17th October 2025 – Wema Bank PLC (Bloomberg: Wema NL) (“Wema” or “the Bank”) announces completion of its second tranche of N50billion capital raise.
• N50billion Special placement subscribed by 100%
• Total Qualifying Capital now N264billion; above N200bn threshold
• Bank further surpasses regulatory requirements for Commercial Bank with National Authorization

Lagos, Nigeria – October 15, 2025 — Wema Bank Plc is pleased to announce that it has received all requisite regulatory approvals for its ₦50 billion Private Placement capital raise. This is in addition to the earlier ₦150bn Rights Issue that was successfully completed in September 2025. The Bank now has a total of ₦264.87billion in qualifying capital, above the minimum requirement of N200bn for a Commercial Bank with National Authorization.
This development marks another significant milestone in the execution of the Bank’s capital management program aimed at fortifying its balance sheet, supporting future growth ambitions, and ensuring full compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) revised minimum capital requirements.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Moruf Oseni, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, stated:
“We are delighted to have received all necessary regulatory approvals for our ₦50 billion special placement. This marks another major step in our strategy to strengthen Wema Bank’s capital base, enhance liquidity, and position the institution to pursue emerging opportunities for sustained growth. We appreciate the continued confidence and support of our shareholders, regulators, and customers as we execute our growth agenda.”
The proceeds from this capital raise will be deployed to continue the acceleration of Wema Bank’s digital transformation drive, deepen penetration across retail, SME, and corporate segments, and enhance the Bank’s lending capacity to key productive sectors of the Nigerian economy. It will also support ongoing investments in technology, and human capital development — further strengthening operational efficiency and service excellence.
Wema Bank remains steadfast in its mission to deliver superior value to shareholders, empower customers through innovative financial solutions, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth and financial inclusion objectives.

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Banking and Finance

Fela’s Afrobeat Rebellion Aligns with Ecobank’s Commitment to Promoting African Heritage

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Lagos, October 13, 2025 – Ecobank Nigeria says the ongoing “Fela Kuti: Afrobeat Rebellion” exhibition reflects its belief in the transformative power of art and culture to inspire change across Africa.

Speaking at the event, Omoboye Edu, Head of SME at Ecobank Nigeria, described the exhibition as one of the many ways the bank continues to promote African creativity and innovation.

“Hosting Afrobeat Rebellion at EPAC aligns with our mission to showcase the continent’s creative energy. We are proud to celebrate Fela’s legacy and the vibrant spirit of Afrobeat in a space that inspires dialogue, imagination, and progress,” she said.

She explained that the three-month exhibition, which celebrates the life, music, activism, and enduring influence of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, opened on October 12 and will run until December 28, 2025.

Beyond the music and memories, the exhibition speaks to Ecobank’s broader commitment to economic growth through the creative sector. By providing platforms like EPAC, the bank continues to nurture collaboration, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange, which are all vital to building a thriving creative economy in Africa.

At the opening ceremony, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu applauded Ecobank for its unwavering support of Nigeria’s creative industry. Represented by Mrs. Bukola Agbaminoja, CEO of the Lagos State Film & Video Censors Board, the Governor noted that Ecobank’s involvement in Afrobeat Rebellion reflects its long-standing dedication to nurturing the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.

“By hosting this exhibition, Ecobank reaffirms its belief in the power of art and culture to drive economic development. The bank understands that creativity is not just an expression of identity; it’s a force that can reshape communities, build industries, and spark innovation,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Laurent Favier, Consul General of France in Nigeria, described Afrobeat Rebellion as an inspiring blend of cultural diplomacy and artistic reclamation, praising Ecobank and its partners for championing the project.

“Supporting this exhibition in Lagos reflects our belief that culture is a bridge between nations. It builds on the success of the earlier Paris edition, celebrating Franco-Nigerian collaboration and honouring Fela’s enduring legacy,” he noted.

Supported by the French Embassy in Nigeria, Ecobank, and other partners, the exhibition highlights Fela’s dual legacy, as a revolutionary musician and fearless political visionary.

The opening night came alive with performances by Ezra Collective, Seun Kuti and several others. These performances set the tone for a season of artistic exploration inspired by Fela’s Afrobeat revolution.

Other highlights of the three months exhibition include, the Talks — a thought-leadership series featuring Yeni Kuti, Prof. Oyeronke Oyewumi, Falana, Ade Bantu, Minna Salami, and Kadaria Ahmed — and Kalakuta Cinema, a film series curated by S16 Collective, showcasing films like Music is a Weapon, Mami Wata, Timbuktu, and Finding Fela.

For younger audiences, the Young Rebels’ Corner offers an engaging creative hub for children aged 6 to 15, with workshops such as the Rebel Scrapbook, Jam Station, and Anikulapo Design Workshop — nurturing a new generation of imaginative thinkers.

The programme also features Karatu Book Readings, Manifesto: The Weapon of the Future, Òrò Abamì Spoken Word Competition, and Dance for Freedom, a movement workshop by The Mud Art Company.

Open to the public, Afrobeat Rebellion invites visitors to experience Fela’s legacy not only as a musician but as a symbol of courage, creativity, and social change — reinforcing Ecobank’s belief that when art is empowered, society is transformed.

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Banking and Finance

Fidelity Bags awards for Best Export and Trade Support and Innovation

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L – R: Seye Otite, Media Relations Officer; Tolulope Rojaiye, Team Member, Brand & Communications Division; Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand & Communications; Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer (all of Fidelity Bank Plc); Christopher Bajowa, President, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria; and Omonsegho Ibironke, Team Lead, Events and Business Promotions, Fidelity Bank Plc; at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025 where Fidelity Bank bagged the awards for the Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance and Most Innovative Bank of the Year recently.

Fidelity Bank’s market leadership has been affirmed once again as the tier-one lender bagged double honours at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’(BAFI) Awards 2025.

At the awards ceremony, which was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, 11 October 2025, Fidelity Bank was presented with the awards for the “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year”.

Dedicating the Export and Trade Finance Award to its customers, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe,OON, who was represented by the Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Stanley Amuchie, said, “This recognition underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting non-oil exports and supporting Nigerian businesses to compete globally through initiatives such as the Fidelity International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) and the Export Management Programme (EMP).

“I dedicate this award to all our exporters who continue to showcase the best of Nigeria to the world, our loyal customers, and our partners for their steadfast support.”

The BAFI Awards is the benchmark of distinction for institutions in the Nigerian financial services sector. Now in its 12th year, the awards recognise and celebrate organisations that are excelling in the delivery of financial services in Nigeria. The award acknowledges organisations demonstrating leadership, vision and impact in driving Nigeria’s growth trajectory.

Fidelity Bank’s recent recognition is attributed to significant accomplishments over the past twelve months. Notable milestones include the inauguration of the first privately constructed onshore oil export terminal in Nigeria in fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field, which was funded by Fidelity Bank and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last week. Additionally, the Bank launched the Fidelity SME Hub, a multipurpose facility designed to support small businesses through innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives.

Furthermore, Fidelity Bank organized the third edition of the Fidelity Nigeria International Trade & Creative Connect (FNITCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in September 2025. This event provided local businesses with opportunities to engage in deal rooms with U.S. buyers, including prominent retailers such as Walmart and Target, fostering potential partnerships.

“The innovation award is a special one for us as it validates our continued drive to enhance operational efficiency, elevate customer experience, and strengthen business performance. We sincerely appreciate BusinessDay Media for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to introducing more impactful innovations that empower our customers and advance the Nigerian financial services industry”, commented Amuchie.

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