Access Bank Plc has dismissed rumours circulating on social media that it is shutting down, describing the reports as false and malicious.
The bank, in a statement issued on Thursday, assured customers, shareholders and other stakeholders that it remains financially sound, stable and fully operational, urging the public not to be misled by the viral message.
According to the bank, the fake report falsely portrayed itself as an official communication from Access Bank with the intention of creating panic and disrupting business activities.
“We wish to reassure our customers, partners, stakeholders and the general public that Access Bank is safe, financially strong and fully operational across all our subsidiaries. Our services continue to run seamlessly, and we remain committed to serving our customers with the highest standards of excellence,” the statement read.Business Formation
The bank emphasised that there was no truth whatsoever in the claim that it was preparing to cease operations, insisting that all its branches and digital banking platforms remained fully functional.
Access Bank said it had begun working with regulatory agencies and security authorities to trace those responsible for originating and circulating the false information.
It warned that anyone found culpable would face prosecution in line with the provisions of relevant Nigerian laws.
The lender specifically noted that the creation and dissemination of false information capable of causing panic or eroding public confidence in institutions is punishable under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The bank urged customers to exercise caution when consuming information online and to verify any claim through its official communication platforms before taking action.
It also appealed to the public not to forward or circulate the fake message, stressing that doing so could further spread misinformation and create unnecessary anxiety.
Reaffirming its commitment to customers, Access Bank said it would continue to provide secure, reliable and uninterrupted banking services while maintaining the confidence reposed in it by millions of customers across Nigeria and its international operations.
