Reality TV star and “Big Brother Naija” season 4 winner, Mercy Eke, expressed her dismay over the sudden closure of Heritage Bank, where she had over ₦100 million deposited. Eke took to X on June 6, 2024, to voice her concerns following the bank’s closure announcement on June 3, 2024.
“I really don’t know how to react about this… I have been hoping for the best…thinking there’s a way out,” she lamented.
Her followers quickly rallied, offering support and information. One fan mentioned that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would prioritize payments to customers with ₦5 million or less before addressing those with larger sums. Eke responded, highlighting the challenge this posed: “That’s the problem. How can they pay 5 million from someone’s millions?”
When another follower inquired if she had an account with Heritage Bank, Eke confirmed, “I do…and have above 100m with them.”
In response to a question about why she chose Heritage Bank over more established banks, Eke explained that it was the bank sponsoring her season of “Big Brother Naija,” and contestants were advised to open accounts with them. “Stupid me went ahead and funded the account…don’t worry I’m full of regrets right now,” she added.
Bashir Nuhu, the director of communications and public affairs at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), issued a statement assuring depositors of actions taken to safeguard their funds. According to Nuhu, depositors with alternate bank accounts will be reimbursed up to the insured amount of ₦5 million per depositor using their Bank Verification Number (BVN). Those with funds exceeding ₦5 million will receive liquidation dividends once the bank’s assets are realized and debts recovered.
Nuhu advised depositors without alternate bank accounts to visit the nearest Heritage Bank branch with proof of account ownership and identification, including a driver’s license, permanent voter’s card, or National Identity Card, along with their BVN, to facilitate the verification and subsequent payment of insured sums.
The situation remains tense for many, including Mercy Eke, as they await further developments and hope for the recovery of their funds.
