GUARANTY TRUST BANK IN N30 BILLION SCAM …MD BUYS PROPERTIES WITH LAUNDERED MONEY

Tayo Aderinokun, MD GTB

A N30 Billion worth property purchased by the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Tayo Aderinokun at the exclusive Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos is currently generating furor over allegations that the properties were purchased with funds laundered through the bank by former Governors and politicians indicted for money laundering and embezzlement.

Specifically, Mr. Aderinokun was said to have annexed laundered money kept by “some notable” Nigerian politicians even as a spokeswoman for the bank has denied the allegations.

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According to informed sources, in April 2005, three children of former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who were all students, allegedly lodged forty five million, eight hundred and twenty nine thousand, nine hundred and four naira eighty six kobo (N45,829,904.86) in one day at a Guaranty Trust Bank account.

Also, Alamieyeseigha’s first daughter, Mrs. Preye Joy Ereboh, a civil servant, allegedly paid into five separate accounts in Guaranty Trust Bank all within three days, April 25, 2005, April 29, 2005, and April 31, 2005, a total of N472,363,102.98, (four hundred and seventy-two million, three hundred and sixty-three thousand, one hundred and two naira, ninety-eight kobo.)

Also, former Governor of Edo State, Mr. Lucky Igbinedion was alleged to have transferred   Edo state funds into his personal accounts with Guaranty Trust Bank.

On June 26 th 2003, Igbinedion paid a sum of N150 Million into his personal account in Guaranty Trust Bank, the same year; he lodged another N20 Million into the same account in GTB and in August 27 th 2003, the former Edo Governor paid N100 Million into the same account in GTB.

A highly placed source within the bank who is knowledgeable about money laundering activities within the bank told pointblanknews.com that the bank have dealings with almost all the indicted former Governors and have been helping them in keeping their looted funds and investing same in lucrative businesses. 

The source made reference to former Governor Saminu Turaki when the bank arranged a “phony over-draft of over N1.3 Billion, N1.2 Billion and N40 Million, a grand design to completely drain the state’s treasury. 

On March 21, 2004, former Delta State Governor, Mr. James Ibori, joined the club, paying N5 Million into his personal account with GTB. In November 2004, he paid another N1 Million and consequently, his lodgments’ began to increase exponentially as on March 2006, he paid N20 Million into the same GTB account. 

In what has been described as the ultimate pyramid schemes to help the indicted Governors to cover up their yet to be returned loots, arrangements were made between the banks hierarchy led by Mr. Aderinokun to invest the stolen funds in real estate, our source said. 

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Aderinokun, described as a very shrewd businessman decided to channel the stolen funds into real estate dealings on behalf of the indicted former governors, acquiring and developing various properties at the Banana Island, a choice area in Ikoyi. 

According to the Spokesperson of the bank, Ms. Oge Kasie-Nwachukwu “the properties in question were acquired four years ago. Your claim that it was bought for N30 Billion is outrageous. It may have been valued at current market value.” 

Asked if she is aware that the properties were purchased with funds laundered through the bank, she said “I am not aware of that.” 

Mr. Aderinokun is entitled to his private life so long as there is no violation of any law of the land and so long as there is no violation of his esteemed position here.”

“GTB funds are intact. No money has been reported missing. His private life is his entitlement.” 

It would be recalled that the INTERPOL recently commenced probe of some Nigerian banks involve in money laundering activities and it is believed that Mr. Aderinokun is one of those penciled down for questioning.