United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been dragged to court in a ₦1 billion lawsuit for allegedly disclosing confidential financial information belonging to a late customer, Sir (Dr.) Charles Oladeinde Williams, and his widow, without proper authorization.
The suit, filed by Mrs. Iyabo Fadairo, Mr. Lanre Omotade, and Mrs. Gloria Obafunke Williams the appointed executors of the late Sir Charles’ estate is currently before Justice Lewis Allagoa at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Allegations Against UBA
According to court filings reviewed by Naija Blog, the bank is accused of unlawfully releasing detailed financial records to three relatives of the deceased Omolara, Olawale, and Temitope Oladeinde Williams as well as a police officer, ASP Sunday Oyegbata, without securing consent from the legal representatives of the estate or obtaining a court order.
Also named as a defendant in the suit is the Inspector General of Police (IGP), raising concerns about the possible misuse of police authority in obtaining private information.
Sensitive Documents Involved
The released documents reportedly include:
- Two years of statements for the deceased’s personal current account (2019–2022)
- Three years of joint account records with his widow (2018–2022)
- Signature mandate forms linked to the joint account
- Eleven months of statements from a separate savings account
Despite obtaining probate in December 2022, legally granting them the right to manage the estate, the plaintiffs allege that UBA bypassed them entirely and handed over these private records to unauthorized parties.
Violation of Privacy and Data Protection Laws
In an affidavit submitted to the court, Mr. Lanre Omotade, a Canada-based co-plaintiff, argued that UBA’s actions constitute a clear violation of their constitutional and statutory rights to privacy, referencing Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 30 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
“UBA owed us both a fiduciary responsibility and a duty of care. By disclosing these sensitive financial documents without our consent, they breached that duty and violated our legal rights,” Omotade asserted.
He further revealed that multiple pre-litigation letters were sent to the bank starting in July 2023 through their legal representatives, Bamidele Ibironke & Co., demanding accountability. However, UBA allegedly ignored these requests and failed to provide feedback on any internal investigation or remedial action.
Emotional, Psychological, and Reputational Harm
The plaintiffs claim the unauthorized disclosure of the bank records has resulted in public embarrassment, emotional trauma, and reputational damage, particularly as the private financial history of the deceased and his widow has been exposed to extended family and third parties.
The suit also accuses ASP Sunday Oyegbata of misusing his position in the Nigeria Police Force to obtain the bank records for malicious purposes, including harassment and defamation.
What the Plaintiffs Are Demanding
In their legal action, the plaintiffs are asking the court to:
- Declare that UBA violated their right to privacy under Nigerian law
- Declare that UBA breached its fiduciary and professional obligations to the deceased and his estate
- Award ₦1 billion in general damages against UBA for alleged negligence, recklessness, and unauthorized disclosure
- Issue a declaration that the Inspector General of Police, ASP Oyegbata, and the deceased’s relatives also violated their privacy rights
- Direct each of the co-defendants to pay an additional ₦1 billion in damages for their individual roles in the alleged violations
UBA’s History of Privacy-Related Accusations
This is not the first time UBA has been in the spotlight over questionable financial and privacy practices. In a similar incident, a U.S.-based Nigerian man, Mr. Ibhahe Hope Ehieribo, accused the bank of illegally withdrawing over ₦106 million from his account based on a false report of his death. Following public outrage, the bank eventually refunded the amount.
Next Steps in Court
The case has been adjourned to July 22, 2025, for further hearing. The plaintiffs are not only seeking financial compensation but also aim to establish a judicial precedent that reinforces the responsibility of Nigerian banks to safeguard customer data, even after a customer’s death.
