Union Bank has a few hours ago, claimed ownership of the sum of $2.8million intercepted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from two suspected money launderers, at Akanu Ibiam International which is Enugu Airport on Friday afternoon.
According to Union Bank, the alleged suspects accused by EFCC of money laundering were actually carrying out a legitimate business of transporting cash from one point to the other, saying it is a movement of cash across States, which is a normal routine for all banks.
EFCC in their report on Friday, stated that during their interrogation, the suspects confessed that they have been in the business of conveying cash for “some notable banks”, for over six years and were in the process of doing same for Union Bank Plc, located at New Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, when they were caught.
Although Union bank confirmed that the suspects were interrogated and their name popped up, which they are not denying but said the suspects are licensed by CBN to provide Cash-in-Transit services and were actually on official duty before their arrest.
The banks in a series of tweets challenged EFCC claims, saying:
“Movement of cash across states is routine for all banks. Bankers Warehouse is licensed by CBN to provide Cash-in-Transit services.
“We are surprised by the release of a news bulletin prior to the completion of EFCC investigation. This is a legitimate and routine operation consistent with banking.”
The $2.8million converted into Naira, amount to over N1 billion at N360 a dollar, as EFCC continues its investigation on the matter.