The United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Lagos in a high-stakes ₦1 billion lawsuit over the alleged unlawful release of confidential banking records belonging to a deceased customer and his widow to unauthorized third parties. The case, which raises serious concerns about data privacy and banking confidentiality in Nigeria, has been filed by the legally appointed executors of the estate of the late Sir (Dr.) Charles Oladeinde Williams.
The Allegations: A Grave Breach of Banking Confidentiality
In court documents exclusively obtained by our newsroom, the plaintiffs—Mrs. Iyabo Fadairo, Mr. Lanre Omotade (Canada-based), and Mrs. Gloria Obafunke Williams—accuse UBA of negligently releasing sensitive financial documents without a valid court order or authorization from the estate’s executors.
The allegedly compromised records include:
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Two years of bank statements from Sir Charles’ current account (2019–2022)
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Three years of joint account statements with his widow (2018–2022)
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Original signature mandate forms
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Eleven months of statements from a personal savings account
According to the statement of claim, these documents were unlawfully obtained by three relatives—Omolara, Olawale, and Temitope Oladeinde Williams—with the alleged assistance of ASP Sunday Oyegbata, a serving police officer, and the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Legal Violations: Constitutional and Statutory Breaches Cited
The plaintiffs contend that UBA’s actions constitute multiple legal violations:
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Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (Right to Privacy)
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Section 30 of the Data Protection Act, 2023
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Breach of fiduciary duty owed to customers
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Professional negligence in safeguarding confidential data
“UBA had no legal basis to release these documents without our consent as the lawful executors,” stated Mr. Omotade in sworn testimony. “This was done despite the grant of probate we obtained in December 2022.”
Pre-Litigation Warnings Ignored
Court filings reveal that the plaintiffs’ legal counsel, Bamidele Ibironke & Co., had sent multiple demand notices to UBA since July 2023, all of which allegedly went unanswered. This failure to respond reportedly forced the executors to initiate legal action.
The Defendants and Reliefs Sought
The lawsuit names six defendants:
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United Bank for Africa Plc
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Omolara Oladeinde Williams
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Olawale Oladeinde Williams
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Temitope Oladeinde Williams
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ASP Sunday Oyegbata
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The Inspector General of Police
The plaintiffs are seeking:
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A judicial declaration that their privacy rights were violated
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₦1 billion in general damages from UBA
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Additional ₦1 billion each from the 2nd to 6th defendants
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A perpetual injunction restraining further use of the unlawfully obtained documents
Broader Implications for Banking Sector
This case emerges amidst growing scrutiny of Nigerian banks’ data protection practices. It follows closely on the heels of another UBA controversy where the bank allegedly withdrew ₦106 million from a U.S.-based customer’s account based on a false death report, only refunding after public outcry.
Financial industry analysts warn that a plaintiff victory could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of banking confidentiality and data protection laws in Nigeria.
Next Hearing Date
Justice Lewis Allagoa has adjourned the matter to July 22, 2025 for further hearing. Banking customers and privacy advocates nationwide will be watching closely as this landmark case unfolds.
SOURCE-GATMASH NEWS
