A lawyer in Nigeria has taken Access Bank Plc to court, claiming that the bank unlawfully deducted money from his account.
Junaid Sanusi, the customer in question, is seeking ₦100 million in damages for what he describes as excessive charges.
The case was brought before the Federal High Court in Ibadan on Monday.
While reviewing his account transactions, he noticed that the bank was deducting amounts exceeding the ₦50 electronic levy set by the Finance Act.
According to Sanusi, the Finance Act clearly states that banks are to deduct ₦50 as a one-off fee for transactions over ₦10,000.
However, he discovered deductions of ₦100, ₦250, and other higher amounts labeled as FGN electronic levy.
“This is unlawful,” Sanusi stated during the court proceedings. “I noticed that the bank deducts more than what is allowed by law.”
He emphasized that any deductions made from customer accounts must follow the guidelines set forth by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2020, along with other relevant Financial Institution Acts.
Sanusi insisted that these guidelines are the only legal framework that permits banks to charge fees from customers.
“The court needs to determine whether it is lawful for the defendant to make unauthorized deductions from my account,” he argued.
During the court session, Sanusi presented an affidavit, nine exhibits, and a written address to support his claim.
He asked the court to issue an order preventing Access Bank from making further deductions from his account.
Additionally, he requested that the bank reverse all amounts deducted unlawfully from his account since March 27, 2020.
Sanusi stated, “This should be until judgment is delivered in the suit.”
He also called for the court to grant him ₦100 million as exemplary damages for the wrongful deductions made on behalf of the Federal Government without his authorization.
In response to Sanusi’s claims, Access Bank’s counsel, Ahmed Adeleke, informed the court that he had submitted a counter-affidavit.
Adeleke attached supporting exhibits and a written address to refute Sanusi’s allegations.
He stated that the bank had reviewed the plaintiff’s account statements covering the period from March 1, 2020, to May 29, 2020.
According to Adeleke, the bank did not charge more than what was legally permissible based on the transactions recorded in that timeframe.
He urged the court to dismiss Sanusi’s case with substantial costs, arguing that the bank acted within the law.
This case highlights a critical issue concerning consumer rights in Nigeria.
Many Nigerians often express frustration over unexpected deductions by banks, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability.
Sanusi’s case sheds light on the need for strict adherence to financial regulations by banks operating in Nigeria.
“It is important that banks respect customer rights and operate within the law,” said consumer rights activist, Chidi Okafor.
“Excessive charges can hurt the average Nigerian who is already facing economic challenges,” he added.
Justice Uche Agomog has adjourned the case to November 12 for judgment.
Both parties will present their arguments and evidence to the court, which will ultimately determine the legality of the deductions made by Access Bank.
