THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday said it had uncovered plot by some criminally minded elements to defraud it. The bank also said it has aborted the plot.
A terse press statement, signed by Mr. Isaac Okoroafor, Acting Director of Communications, said that although preliminary investigations so far have not revealed any accomplices within the CBN, management has decided to place all key personnel involved in the transaction on suspension. This he said was to ensure a full and unfettered investigation of the matter.
Accordingly, Okoroafor said that the incidence has been reported to relevant authorities and security agencies as the apex bank reassured the general public that the security of the bank remains intact.
The Central Bank of Nigeria by law is the banker to the Federal Government and custodian of its crown jewels. Among others responsibilities, its core mandate includes exchange rate and financial system stability. It is against this background that it has been working with other stakeholders to stem financial sector fraud.