United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been dragged to court in a ₦1 billion lawsuit for allegedly disclosing confidential financial information belonging to a late customer, Sir (Dr.) Charles Oladeinde Williams, and his widow, without proper authorization.
The suit, filed by Mrs. Iyabo Fadairo, Mr. Lanre Omotade, and Mrs. Gloria Obafunke Williams the appointed executors of the late Sir Charles’ estate is currently before Justice Lewis Allagoa at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Allegations Against UBA
According to court filings reviewed by Naija Blog, the bank is accused of unlawfully releasing detailed financial records to three relatives of the deceased Omolara, Olawale, and Temitope Oladeinde Williams as well as a police officer, ASP Sunday Oyegbata, without securing consent from the legal representatives of the estate or obtaining a court order.
Also named as a defendant in the suit is the Inspector General of Police (IGP), raising concerns about the possible misuse of police authority in obtaining private information.
Sensitive Documents Involved
The released documents reportedly include:
- Two years of statements for the deceased’s personal current account (2019–2022)
- Three years of joint account records with his widow (2018–2022)
- Signature mandate forms linked to the joint account
- Eleven months of statements from a separate savings account.
Despite obtaining probate in December 2022, legally granting them the right to manage the estate, the plaintiffs allege that UBA bypassed them entirely and handed over these private records to unauthorized parties.
UBA’s History of Privacy-Related Accusations
This is not the first time UBA has been in the spotlight over questionable financial and privacy practices. In a similar incident, a U.S.-based Nigerian man, Mr. Ibhahe Hope Ehieribo, accused the bank of illegally withdrawing over ₦106 million from his account based on a false report of his death. Following public outrage, the bank eventually refunded the amount.
Next Steps in Court
The case has been adjourned to July 22, 2025, for further hearing. The plaintiffs are not only seeking financial compensation but also aim to establish a judicial precedent that reinforces the responsibility of Nigerian banks to safeguard customer data, even after a customer’s death.
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