The Securities and Exchange Council is currently investigating the acquisition of 4.7 billion shares of FBN Holdings by a former Chairman of the bank, Oba Otudeko.
A source within the commission, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed to our correspondent that a probe of the contentious deal that which was published on the website of the Nigerian Exchange Limited of Friday, July 7 was currently being probed.
The source said, “I am aware the Commission is looking into the transaction. A report has been made already and forwarded to the management.”
First Bank shareholders unite against Otudeko
Meanwhile, some capital market experts have said the acquisition of about 4.7 billion shares of FBN Holdings by Otudeko, followed due capital market stipulations.ignment To Hit Nigeria | Punch
They reacted to the recent twist in the case that made Ecobank to write a petition to FBN Holdings, requesting for the rejecting of Otudeko’s acquisition of about 14 per cent of the group’s shares which would make him the major shareholder.
Experts who spoke with The PUNCH said the best way the conflict between Eco Bank and Otudeko could be resolved would be through a mutually acceptable arbitration process.
The National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Boniface Okezie, while reacting to the turn of events said there was nothing from a legal point of view stopping Otudeko from investing in any company he wished to.
