Paragraph 1: The Resurfacing of a 12-Year-Old Loan Controversy
Dr. Bisi Onasanya, a former Group Managing Director of FirstBank, finds himself embroiled in a controversy surrounding a commercial loan transaction that took place twelve years ago. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed charges against Onasanya and three others: Oba Otudeko, a former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria; Soji Akintayo, an ex-board member of Honeywell Flour Mills plc; and Anchorage Limited, a company linked to Otudeko. The EFCC alleges that the N30 billion loan was obtained under false pretences. This sudden resurgence of a seemingly settled matter has taken Onasanya by surprise and prompted him to publicly defend his reputation.
Paragraph 2: Onasanya’s Vehement Denial and Assertion of Innocence
Onasanya, through his communication advisor, Mr. Michael Oshunuyi, has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged loan impropriety. He describes the accusations as baseless and a deliberate attempt to tarnish his image. Oshunuyi points out that the EFCC had already investigated this very matter eight years prior, two years after Onasanya’s retirement from FirstBank, and cleared him of any wrongdoing. The re-emergence of these allegations after such a significant period and after a prior investigation concluded his non-involvement raises questions about the motivations behind the current charges.
Paragraph 3: Procedural Questions and a Pattern of Allegations
Adding to the peculiarity of the situation, Onasanya claims he has not received any formal notification of the charges, summons, or invitation from any court or investigating agency. This lack of procedural clarity further fuels his suspicion that the allegations are malicious and part of a recurring pattern. Oshunuyi notes a trend of similar accusations surfacing annually, employing identical language and disseminated across various media platforms. He urges the media to practice responsible journalism by verifying information before publication to avoid the damaging consequences of libel.
Paragraph 4: Otudeko’s Parallel Denial and Disinterest in FBN Holdings
Mirroring Onasanya’s response, Oba Otudeko, another defendant in the case, has also issued a strong denial of the allegations. He expresses his commitment to defending his reputation and, like Onasanya, states he hasn’t received any formal summons or invitation from the authorities. Otudeko further emphasizes his lack of interest in returning to any executive or non-executive role within FBN Holdings, seemingly pre-empting speculation that the charges are linked to a potential power struggle within the financial institution.
Paragraph 5: The Broader Implications and the Need for Due Process
This case raises important questions about the integrity of the legal process and the potential for its manipulation. The re-emergence of allegations after a previous investigation and acquittal, combined with the lack of formal notification to the accused, creates an impression of irregularity. The timing of the charges, the public nature of the accusations, and the consistent re-emergence of similar claims annually suggest a possible agenda beyond the pursuit of justice.
Paragraph 6: Focus on Legacy and Future Contributions
Both Onasanya and Otudeko state they have moved on from their roles at FirstBank and are focused on other endeavors. Onasanya emphasizes his commitment to making positive contributions in other sectors of the economy, while Otudeko clarifies his current board memberships and disinterest in returning to FBN Holdings. Their responses underscore their desire to distance themselves from the controversy and highlight their focus on future contributions rather than past allegations. The legal proceedings will ultimately determine the validity of the charges and the veracity of their defenses, but the public airing of these accusations has already impacted their reputations and raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.
