Bizman alleges threat by ex – Zenith bank manager over N480m dispute

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A Lagos Federal High Court on Tuesday heard how a former branch manager of Zenith Bank Plc, Fidelis Egueke, allegedly threatened a businessman and his sister after they demanded repayment of over N480m reportedly diverted from their accounts.

Dr Jude Ndudi, the complainant, gave the testimony at the ongoing trial of Egueke, who faces a 16-count amended charge including conspiracy, fraud, unlawful conversion, obtaining by false pretence, and unauthorised withdrawal. The case, FHC/L/298c/2020, is before Justice Alexander Owoeye, the fourth judge to handle the matter. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Morufu Animashaun, Ndudi recounted how Egueke allegedly boasted about his political connections and warned him and his sister to come in bulletproof gear if they pursued the matter.

“He told me that my sister and I should wear bulletproof vests and come in a bulletproof vehicle,” Ndudi said, expressing shock given that he had previously assisted Egueke and his family, including gifting his wife a Mercedes-Benz and sponsoring a family trip to the Caribbean.

Ndudi told the court that he informed his wife of the threats, prompting her to advise him to petition the police. The petition was eventually filed at the Force CID Annexe, Alagbon, Ikoyi.

He recounted that when he honoured a police invitation between October 10 and 15, 2020, he found Egueke already writing his own statement. After both concluded, the defendant and his lawyers allegedly attempted an out-of-court settlement.

Ndudi said Egueke asked how much was missing, and he told him N480m was unaccounted for from his company’s account, N180m was missing from his sister’s Zenith Bank account, and over N150m in merchandise proceeds allegedly collected but never deposited.

He told the court that when talks broke down, Egueke asked for the police statement he submitted and allegedly chewed it.

Ndudi further explained that Egueke, who married his sister, had pressured him to open accounts with Zenith Bank, claiming it would help him secure promotions.