First Bank Plc has reacted to heavy criticism from Nigerians who accused the bank of aiding police brutality of a customer inside the banking hall in Lekki area of Lagos.
The uproar ensued after a video footage showed how three police officers assaulted the unidentified customer inside the bank hall while trying to force him out.
An eyewitness said the incident occurred on Wednesday at First Bank branch located at Osapa, Lekki, Lagos. The assault followed an argument between the victim and another bank customer.
[READ ALSO: N330 billion Fine: MTN in fresh mess after FIRS queries tax deduction]
The customer reportedly refused to leave the banking hall, insisting on closing his account.
However, his demand didn’t sit well with the security men, resulting into harassment and physical assault of the victim.
– And refused to to leave the banking hall.
He instead, insisted on closing his account with the bank and withdrawing all his money before leaving. However, his stance didn’t go down well with the security men, who descended on him heavily and even hit him with a gun.— Postsubman (@Postsubman) August 2, 2019
In the video observed by Nairametrics, a police officer slapped the unidentified customer while he was discussing with another person. As the commotion dragged on within the banking hall, another individual hit him from behind, and other officers joined in the brutality despite other customers pleas.
No bank official intervened to stop the beating, as a man dressed in blue shirt tuck-in a black trouser, was seen directing the police officers to take him out as they continue to drag the customer.
The video has led to an uproar among Nigerians, with some calling for a boycott of First Bank, while others criticised the professionalism of the bank staff.
[READ ALSO: We lifted five million Nigerians out of extreme poverty – Buhari]
First Bank has now responded to the criticism, promising to investigate the “unfortunate incident.”
The lender reacted to the criticism via its social media platforms; Instagram and Twitter.
“Our attention has been drawn to a video posted online of an incident that happened at one of our branches.
The bank is currently investigating this unfortunate incident and take immediate steps to address both the reasons behind the episode and its fallouts.
“We assure the that our customers remain at the core of our business and we are committed to delivering the highest standards in customer experience across all our touch points.”
Below are reactions to the video;
You’re talking undiluted nonsense
— I Sell Land (@G_Samito) August 2, 2019
whose payroll are they on? We call out the organization 4 letting that happen In d 1st place
— Unfriendly (@Yeye_Sch_Boi) August 2, 2019
Like not even in the compound.. inside the damn hall… ! ??♂️
Someone should tell me the guy was caught stealing please ??♂️
— I Sell Land (@G_Samito) August 2, 2019
They are police attached to the bank so indirectly the bank takes the blame.
— Hamilton?✂️ (@awamilton) August 2, 2019
This is Soo wrong ,, received beating on top your own money o… your hard earn money… @FirstBankngr not cool
.
— Madame Anita (@aniruoje) August 2, 2019
@FirstBankngr y'all need to be served a lawsuit. Arrant rubbish, all Nigerian banks need to learn customer relations by force.
— A MYTH (@yinka23) August 2, 2019
That man should sit down, get a good lawyer, draft a plan and sue them big time
— I Sell Land (@G_Samito) August 2, 2019
Maybe @FirstBankngr can explain better if this is in concordance with their rules and treating customer. @cenbank Can help out on this. i hope the customer will report this issue. All customers are equal. A customer is your first boss @IbukunAwosika
— #TRUELOVE (@UdokaNwaigwe) August 2, 2019
Let's even assume the likely worst, dat dis Customer assaulted another Customer or Bank Official. There still remains NO JUSTIFICATION for Rogue @PoliceNG men to assault him dis way
Even dat BASTARD Civilian was slapping him like he just caught Shekau with a Bounty over his head pic.twitter.com/teOvvg95aU
— #FreeStevenKefason Tendermartin❁? (@Tendermartin) August 2, 2019
These are my actions against @FirstBankngr#Step1 – I will transfer all my funds out of my #FirstBank account immediately#Step2 – I will close my account with useless #FirstBank on Monday Morning Next week#Step3 – unfollow @Alex_Houseof308 & all influencers Promoting FBN pic.twitter.com/P1HOYbyeHN
— #FreeStevenKefason Tendermartin❁? (@Tendermartin) August 2, 2019
You first indeed.
Lol, thank God I don’t have to walk into your bank to transfer all my money out of your account. You security guys can’t beat me over the internet.
Mtchew.— NIMI (@Nimiofficial) August 2, 2019
Np matter what happen that boy don’t desverd to be beaten like that imagine 3 people hitting on innocents boy with at a time gun on his head Wdf anyhow is not thier fault but na the account Balance make them beat am like that .
Everywhere brutality smh ?♂️— ruddy (@rudeboybadboy2) August 2, 2019
Na lie! He should sue your asses appropriately! All the so-called officers involved, fired! And your staff sacked! Bro, no gree oh! Sue them! With your money????
— Nessa Irek (@IrekNessa) August 2, 2019
Inside @FirstBankngr inside life person Dey chop clap for bank. The staffs, security and other personnels of the bank Dey do like say na them they pay customers. @FirstBankngr na ? they should pay heavy. The guy should get a good lawyer this is a win win in any court pic.twitter.com/RJYVZpHLMw
— paper chase (@paperceasar) August 2, 2019
