Former FirstBank GMD, Dr. Bisi Onasanya has denied involvement in a N30 billion loan scandal that happened 12 years ago.
In a statement by his communication adviser, Michael Oshunuyi, Onasanya described the allegations as baseless and an attempt to rubbish his name.
Onasanya’s response comes after the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) filed charges at the Federal High Court in Lagos against him and three others for obtaining the loan by false pretences.
The others are Oba Otudeko, former chairman of FirstBank; Soji Akintayo, ex-board member of Honeywell Flour Mills Plc; and Anchorage Limited, a company linked to Otudeko.
Oshunuyi explained that the matter was investigated by the EFCC in 2015, two years after Onasanya left FirstBank.
The media adviser said Onasanya was cleared then, so the resurfacing of the allegations in 2025 is puzzling.
He said Onasanya has not been served with any charges, summons or invitation by any court or agency on the matter. But Onasanya will appear in court if summoned to clear his name.
The statement also pointed out a pattern of recurring allegations over the years, same language, same media. Oshunuyi urged journalists to be cautious and verify facts before publishing to avoid the legal implications of libel.
Also, Oshunuyi said Onasanya has no interest in FirstBank or any financial institution. Since he left banking, he has been contributing positively to society and other sectors of the economy.
In a related development, Dr. Oba Otudeko also denied the allegations. In his statement, he said he will defend his name.
Otudeko said he has not been served with any official summons or invitation but will cooperate with any investigation.
He said he has no intention of holding executive or non-executive position in any organisation beyond his current commitments. He described the speculations about his return to FBN Holdings Plc board as baseless.
Both Onasanya and Otudeko are confident they can clear their names and will cooperate with the authorities while asking for professionalism and fairness.