I’M NOT IN EFCC CUSTODY –FIDELITY BANK EX-MD, NNAMDI OKONKWO

The former managing director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi John Okonkwo has refuted claims that he’s in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In an exclusive interview with The Source Magazine on Monday, the seasoned banker who was recently appointed GMD of First Bank Holding Company said “I cannot be in my bedroom and somebody somewhere will be saying, EFCC has arrested me and that I have be in custody’ of the anti-graft commission for days”.

For some days, there have been various reports in several online platforms claiming that Okonkwo has been arrested and being questioned by the Abdulrasheed Bawa-led EFCC over his alleged role in the transfer of $153.3 million from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in favour of Ms. Diezani Alison-Madueke, Nigeria’s controversial former petroleum minister while the top banker was the helmsman at Fidelity Bank Plc at the time.

But speaking with the weekly Monday, Okonkwo said he has spent the last few days preparing to take up his new role as the Group Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria Holdings, FBNH.

“I have been enjoying with my family, apart from going to the gym to keep in form. I have also held series of meetings with my new employer in the last few days. So, I don’t understand what Premium Times is saying. I can’t be in EFCC custody and they will allow me to speak to you,” he said.

Okonkwo was appointed, three weeks ago as the new GMD of First Bank Nigeria Holdings Plc.

He will assume office as the substantive GMD effective January 1, 2022, following the resignation of Mr. U.K Eke from the position.

Okonkwo would bring to bear on the board of FBNH more than 30 years of banking career spanning local and international experience.

His appointment is subject to the approval of regulatory authorities, according to the statement by FBNH.