The Central Bank of Nigeria said on Thursday night that it had uncovered what it described as a highly sophisticated plot to defraud the bank by some people.

The bank said in a statement issued at about 10:39pm by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okoroafor, that while preliminary investigations have not revealed any accomplices within the bank, some personnel within the apex bank had been placed on suspension.

The nature of the fraud was not specified in the statement.

It, however, said the need to place these officials on suspension was to allow for proper investigations by the relevant authorities.

The statement reads, “A highly sophisticated plot to defraud the CBN by some criminally minded elements has been uncovered and aborted by the bank.

“Although preliminary investigations so far have not revealed any accomplices within the CBN, the management has decided to place all key personnel involved in the transaction on suspension.

“This is to ensure a full and unfettered investigation. This incidence has been reported to the relevant authorities.”

The CBN in the statement assured stakeholders in the banking sector that the security within the apex bank remains intact and had not been breached.

Credit: Punch