In what looked like a continued investigation into the activities of lotto firms in Nigeria, the apex bank in Nigeria, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has demanded for the bank statements of certain individuals with the domiciliary account attached to them.
Recall that the CBN recently unfrozen the lotto companies’ accounts which had been suspended since September 5, 2020. This was done in order to enable the betting companies pay staff salaries and winnings.
In a circular dated September 15, signed on behalf of CBN’s Director of Banking Supervision, it asked banks to furnish the apex banks with information regarding sixteen individuals.
“You are requested to furnish us with the domiciliary account statements (Excel and PDF formats) of the underlisted individuals, including the domiciliary accounts linked to them by Bank Verification Number (BVN). The statements should cover the period January 1, 2013 to July 31, 2020,” the letter read.
Giving the banks today, September 16, 2020 as deadline, the individuals affected included Chief Kesington Adebutu, Adebisi Adebutu, Ajibola Adebutu, Olanipekun Adebutu and Olusegun Adebutu.
The circular also included Akinola Alabi, Damilare Alabi, Femi Babalola, Adetayo Adesanwo and Bryon Powell.
Others were Adekunle Soname, David Grogan, Ayodeji Ojuroye, Domenico Giovando, Mauro Ripamonti, and Charbel Chidiac.
Pundits believed that the move was not unconnected with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission launched an investigation into the activities of alleged tax fraud and economic sabotage.