Panic Amongst Banks Over Fears Of Becoming “Scapegoat”As Central Bank Denies Giving Intelligence Agency $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 Found In Lagos Apartment

There is an emerging panic in the banking industry.

And it stems fear of becoming a possible scapegoat in the unfolding drama of $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23,218,000 Found In a Lagos Apartment.

The fund estimated to be about N15billion in local currency was discovered by anti graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission via tip off from a whistle blower.

As speculations and allegations rage over ownership of the fund, the National Intelligence Agency laid claim to it.

The agency claim through Director General Ayodele Oke claimed the huge fund acquired for covert operations was approved by immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan.

However disclosure that two years into the his administration incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari – until EFCC raid last Wednesday – remained unaware of the N15billion or purpose earmarked for has sparked off outrage over the narrative.

And also contrary to NIA claims it got the discovered funds directly through Central Bank, spokes person Isaac Okorafor in a chat with premiumtimes asserts ‘’ “It is true the Central Bank of Nigeria issues mint fresh notes, but it is only to banks.

“After that (issuance to banks) CBN does not know which of their customers they (the banks) give those notes to and for what purpose.’’

This assertion is said to have heighten quiet fears amongst banks of becoming a scapegoat as investigators work on determining the true owner of the fund and route it took get out of the financial system.

‘’the implication of CBN’s denial is that one or some of the banks are responsible, facilitated the funds getting out of the system in an out of the book style and with that comes heavy sanction ‘’ an insider interpreted.

Societynow.ng gathered fear of what looms for those ‘’involved’’ and possibility of getting ‘’roped’’ into it for others is the cause of growing panic and managements hurriedly ‘’tidy’’ their books to be on the safe side.