NBA-SPIDEL demands reversal of unauthorized N10 Million withdrawal by Access Bank

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has called on Access Bank to reverse an unauthorized withdrawal of N10 million from its account.

In a letter dated July 19, 2024, and addressed to the Managing Director of Access Bank, NBA-SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins criticized the bank for allowing the withdrawal despite being informed of ongoing legal disputes involving the organization.

The letter highlighted that a court order had restrained the Yakubu Maikyau-led NBA administration from holding the NBA-SPIDEL Conference scheduled for July 18, 2024, and extended the interim order until July 30, 2024.

“Despite our letters to you that the issue concerning NBA-SPIDEL is subjudice in Suit Nos: EHC/40/2024: John Aikpokpo-Martins & Anor vs Yakubu Maikyau, SAN & 2 Ors and W/128/2024: John Aikpokpo-Martins vs Ben Oji & Anor at the Effurun and Warri divisions of the Delta State High Court, you still went ahead to allow withdrawal of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) from the said account on the 19th of July, 2024,” Aikpokpo-Martins wrote.

The NBA-SPIDEL Chairman demanded that Access Bank reverse the transaction immediately upon receipt of the letter, warning of the legal implications of any unauthorized withdrawal from the SPIDEL account.

Recall that (NBA-SPIDEL) had on July 5, 2024 accused Access Bank PLC of unethical conduct in changing the authorized signatories to its account without the knowledge and consent of the lawful signatories. Meanwhile, sources within NBA HQ said that the money was meant to have been used for the 2024 NBA-SPIDEL conference.