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Jim Ovia , MD of Zenith bank, “Arrested” and Released

December 18, 2008
SaharaReporters,  New York
Image removed.Change Nigeria Protests against Zenith Bank in London recently

 In furtherance of attempts at deflecting criticisms over the scandalous “plea bargain” that saw thieving former governor of Edo State, Lucky Igbinedion, get off with a slap on the wrist for stealing N4.4 billion, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) earlier today “arrested” and almost immediately was forced to release the managing director of Zenith bank, Jim Ovia.

SaharaReporters
 sources said Nigeria’s Attorney General, Michael Aondoakaa, who had marathon meetings with the controversial MD of Zenith yesterday while officials of the EFCC claimed they were looking for him, ordered Ovia’s release.
However, three of his low-level staff members - Olakunle Orupe, Kanu Chimezie, and Patrick Okagwu- at the Port Harcourt branch of Zenith Bank PLC were not that lucky as they were charged with money laundering before an Abuja High court and remanded in prison custody. 
 
Rivers State officials using the bank in connection with a N3.5 billion scam led to   Ovia’s staged arrest. The bank is well known for participating in money laundering activities.  Despite identifying Rivers State officials involved in laundering money through Zenith bank, the EFCC was unwilling to apprehend the culprits, even as Zenith Banks MD was released, Rivers State officials indicted over the charges are yet to be apprehended 

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