Ahmad Bashir, a former aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari on digital communication, has accused an Access Bank customer, Obi Ikechukwu Marcel, of refusing to refund N1.5 million that was erroneously transferred to him in December 2024.Â
The dispute, which Bashir initially handled privately, has now gained public attention following his decision to share the transaction receipt on social media.
Bashir on his X handle narrated how his bank, Providus Bank, and the recipient’s bank, Access Bank, were both contacted to facilitate the return of the funds.Â
However, despite official requests, Obi Ikechukwu allegedly declined to return the money.
Despite requests to both banks to both banks to issue a public statement clarifying the transaction, neither Providus Bank nor Access Bank has provided an official response.
Bashir urged anyone who knows Obi Ikechukwu to appeal to him to return the funds amicably.
Legal analysts note that in cases of erroneous transfers, banks have the authority to place a lien on the recipient’s account and facilitate a refund if the funds were mistakenly sent.
However, the process often depends on cooperation from the receiving party. If the recipient refuses, the sender may have to pursue legal action.
Under Nigerian law, retaining money that was mistakenly transferred can be considered an offence, and the recipient may be liable for fraud or unjust enrichment.
However, enforcement of these laws often depends on legal action taken by the aggrieved party.
Taking the matter to the X platform has generated mixed reactions with many supporting Bashir to reclaim his funds while others implying that the recipient should remain with the money.
