Close Access Bank Accounts, #EndSARS Protesters Fight Tyranny, Abuse of Power With Account Closure

Several Nigerian youths have started completing the Access Bank account closing form following the decision of the bank to restrict bank accounts of #EndSARS protesters without a court order.

In a series of tweets, the protesters accused the lender of abusing its power by implementing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive to freeze bank accounts of #EndSARS leaders without a court order.

According to them, they can no longer trust the bank with their vital details, especially with the Federal Government seizing passport and arresting protesters across the nation.

One of the youths, Oloye @oloye_ on Twitter, said they were not forcing people to close their bank accounts with the lender but they were certain that if the government decides to perform a raid on dissenting voices, Access Bank would not hesitate to give up their details.

“A bank that doesn’t respect the rule of law“, he said.

Another person, Peter Ogunsona @pitharoy, said “It is very sad that a bank can liaise with GOVERNMENT — and instantly closed accounts of peaceful #EndSARS protesters without court order.

“It is obvious that ACCESS BANK can disclose our private information (home address, phones numbers) if the need arise.”

This was after the lender released a statement stating it acted in line with banking regulation.

In the statement titled “We are for you, always”, Access Bank said “we want to express our sympathy for the inconvenience that eight (*) of our customers are going through due to the restrictions on their accounts as mandated by a Federal court order. We are eager for this to be resolved as soon as possible.”

However, the Nigerian youths refuted the bank’s reason and insisted that it did without a court order as it took the Central Bank of Nigeria almost two weeks after the restrictions to secure a valid court order.

Some claimed Stanbic IBTC, one of the leading lenders in Nigeria, resisted the central bank’s directive without a valid court order. A position applauded by the youths.

Others said Access Bank is working with the Federal Government to clampdown on dissent voices. A user, Salman, explained that since it is compulsory for a serving youth corps member to open an Access Bank account during the one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), people should know they are working with the federal government.