Business
How Heritage Bank, MTN Officials defrauded customers of N150 million
For one of the newest entrants into the Nigeria’s banking industry, Heritage Bank Plc and embattled telecommunications firm, MTN Nigeria , these are not the best of times as the duo has continued to swim in the sea of controversies. And as it stands, the bank and the telecoms outfit are fast becoming safe havens for fraudulent officials.
Reports available to TheIcon indicate that officials of Heritage Bank, which came into existence under a new name just a few years ago, is currently on the top watch of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
In a stunning development after nearly three months of investigation, the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) on Monday July 10, 2017 arrested 11 suspected fraudsters, including three Heritage Bank officials and two MTN employees over N150 million fraud.
This newspaper gathered that they were allegedly siphoning money from bank accounts using phone numbers linked to customers account obtained from shady MTN workers. Police said the gang was working across the country.
Communications giant, MTN, has been rocked by revelations about the improprieties of staff who help criminals to swap SIM cards of targeted bank customers.
The unit’s spokesman, ASP Lawal Audu confirmed the arrest at the unit’s office in Ikoyi, Lagos disclosing that staff of Heritage Bank and the MTN have secretly run an information sharing business robbing unsuspecting bank customers of millions of naira.
The fraud unit describes how scores of unknowing victims from the bank have been snookered by the bank and communications outfit.
The suspected bankers are Oyelade Shola-Isaac, 32, Osuolale Hammid, 40, and Akeem Adesina, 33, while the network service provider’s employees include Okpetu John, 29, Chukwumnoso Ifeanyi, 30 and Salako Abdulsalam, (ICT specialist), 30.
Other suspects were Ismaeel Salami, 49, Akinola Oghuan, 34, Sarumi Abubakar, 32, James Idagu, 56, and Sunday Okeke, 33. The unit spokesman stressed that they were all arrested in Lagos, Ibadan and Ilorin.
Audu noted that the job of the banker’s suspects was to provide the syndicates with information of the bank customers with funded accounts that were not into internet banking.
He said that the network provider’s suspects assist to swap the SIM cards (GSM numbers) of the targeted bank customers so that they will be unable to receive alert of any transactions on their accounts within the period that their accounts were being siphoned.
The spokesman said the suspects transferred the money siphoned into about 40 other accounts with ATMs in different other banks. Audu said that the suspects usually carry out their operations during the weekends and public holidays to evade being detected by the bank monitoring mechanisms or the owners of targeted funded accounts.
“The effort of the police team eventually paid off when the same group was holding their final meeting at eateries along Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, Lagos on the concluded plan to unleash another monumental fraud on unsuspecting customers.
“Their plan was to defraud other new generation banks between May 26 and 29, 2017. Detectives stormed the venue during which one of the major kingpins claimed to be Alhaji Ismaeel Salami and four members of the syndicate were arrested.
“Thirty-five ATM cards affixed with account numbers and passwords were immediately recovered from them.
“It was, however, revealed that this criminal syndicate usually sourced these bank ATM cards from their owners, especially among the vulnerable youths deceiving them to release their ATM cards, account numbers and passwords for eventual monetary rewards based on the amount their card receive,” he said.
The spokesman, therefore, advised members of the public to be careful of fraudster’s activities, warning them against giving out bank detains to strangers.
Audu said that the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.
A police investigator said details emerged of astonishing levels of malfeasance at the MTN as regards to diverting customers calls. Speaking under the condition of anonymity she said the South African-owned telecoms company has become synonymous with fraud on the most massive (and global) of scales.
“The extent of MTN staff crimes, chronicled in detailed investigation in this case is breathtaking,” she concluded.
All attempts to speak with the spokesperson for
Heritage Bank, Mr. Fela Ibidapo proved futile as his mobile line was not reachable, while MTN Funso Aina neither picked his calls nor responded to text message sent to his mobile phone.
Business
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*ILÉ IYÁN NIGERIA EMPOWERS UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS STUDENTS WITH ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
ILÉ IYÁN, the renowned Nigerian restaurant known for its celebration and promotion of the Nigerian African culture through serving authentic Nigerian cuisine, proudly announces its collaboration with Madam Tinubu Hall, University of Lagos to host a cooking competition aimed at promoting culinary excellence and supporting higher education among Nigerian youth.
The Event took place at the University of Lagos on Wednesday the 26th June, 2024. The cooking competition showcased the culinary talents of students from the University of Lagos. The Participants competed preparing traditional Nigerian dishes, judged by a panel of esteemed chefs and culinary experts.
In an innovative move to foster education and reward talent, ILÉ IYÁN Nigeria awarded scholarships to the outstanding participants; Winner Ms. Kenneth Mary Anuoluwapo who won Academic Scholarship plus cash prize, 1st runner up Ezeanowi Maryjane won Academic Scholarship and 2nd runner up Nwachukwu Kamsi Adaobi won cash prize. These scholarships underscore ILÉ IYÁN’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary leaders and supporting educational opportunities in Nigeria. This will enable the participants /winners to pursue their academic ambitions at the University of Lagos.
“This competition is not just about cooking; it’s about recognizing and nurturing talent,” “We believe in the potential of the Nigerian youth and we are excited to support their educational journey through this initiative.” This is also where I started my journey as a Restauranteur and Entrepreneur 15 years ago said the Founder/CEO of ILÉ IYÁN Nigeria, Mr Sanni Sheriff who’s also an Alumnus of The University of Lagos. The Award was presented by the ILÉ IYÁN Team led by Mr Sanni Afeez also in attendance Ms Paulina Legba.
ILÉ IYÁN invites the public to join in celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Nigeria and the academic achievements of its youth at this prestigious event. The competition was a vibrant display of creativity and skill, showcasing the diverse flavors and traditions that define Nigerian cuisine.
About ILÉ IYÁN
ILÉ IYÁN also known as “Home of Pounded Yam “ is a Nigerian African Restaurant that offers original Nigerian African dishes made using traditional cooking techniques to produce dishes with original African flavors. The brand is positioned as the pride of Nigeria as we promote the tourism and beautiful culture in Nigeria through our cuisine.
ILÉ IYÁN immerses patrons in a sensory journey that through Nigeria’s diverse traditions. The restaurant’s interior, adorned with authentic artifacts and traditional motifs, creates an ambiance that transports diners to different regions of the country. The staff, dressed in traditional attire, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.
Culinary offerings at ILÉ IYÁN showcase the country’s diverse culinary heritage, featuring a carefully curated menu that highlights delicacies from various ethnic groups. From our flavourful soups to the succulent pounded yam to village rice, each dish is a culinary masterpiece, meticulously prepared to capture the essence of Nigerian flavors.
OUR VISION: To be the biggest African restaurant brand selling the authentic Nigerian African culture across the globe.
OUR MISSION: is to promote and preserve Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and diversity through our delicious Nigerian cuisine.
To bridge the cultural gap between the several generations of Nigerians living home and abroad .
VALUES:
In terms of tourism, ILÉ IYÁN becoming a must-visit destination for both domestic and international travelers seeking an authentic Nigerian experience.
Our popularity will not only boost local tourism but also contribute to changing perceptions about Nigeria, showcasing the country’s cultural richness and hospitality.
As ILÉ IYÁN continues to flourish, we will serve as a beacon of cultural pride, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for Nigeria’s diverse heritage. Our restaurant stands as a shining example of how a traditional-themed establishment can be a catalyst for cultural preservation, community engagement, and tourism promotion in the heart of Lagos. Nigeria
For ILÉ IYÁN dining experience and food delivery kindly visit or contact
📍ILÉ IYÁN LEKKI
Plot 6 Dr Muiz Banire Street Lekki phase 1 . Same street with Imax Film house Cinema.
The street is off Bisola Durosinmi Street Lekki Phase 1
For online orders kindly call 09024475402
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