A Nigerian citizen (names withheld for security reasons), has demanded a probe into how Sterling Bank opened an account in his name without his consent and or authorisation.
The citizen through his lawyers, has therefore demanded the immediate closure of what he described as “a strange account” the bank allegedly opened in his name.
The citizen, who does not want his name in print for now, for security reasons, confirmed that his lawyers have already sent a letter to Sterling Bank, specifically on Monday, August 4, 2025 demanding the immediate closure of the strange account.
He said; “You won’t believe that as we speak, the account is still very much active. It has not been closed by the bank.
“Despite all the efforts I personally made in getting Sterling Bank to close the account, it is still active,” he said.
Consequence upon the development, the lawyers have requested for a comprehensive report that would reveal the identity of the bank staff who was responsible for the opening of the account.
The lawyers also want to know how relevant account opening protocols and legal requirements that include the “Know Your Customer (KYC)’ Bank Verification Number (BVN) validation and inclusion, telephone number, email address and National Identification Number (NIN) linkage, were bypassed to open the account.
The lawyers specifically demanded the unmasking of Legbeti Anuoluwapo, who carried out a N5,000 transaction on the strange bank account, documents that were submitted for the account opening, an apology letter from Sterling Bank and confirmation that no loans, overdrafts and financial liabilities will be attached to the Lagos resident’s identity or BVN through the account.
The lawyers stated; “Take notice, if we do not receive a substantive response and evidence of action taken within five working days, from the date of receipt of this letter, we shall proceed without further notice to: file formal petition with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
“Commence legal proceedings in court for gross negligence, data compromise, unlawful use of identity, and breach of statutory duty under the Nigerian Data Protection Act and other applicable laws.
“We trust that your institution will act responsibly and with the urgency this matter demands,” the letter stated.
