LAGOS JULY 31ST (URHOBOTODAY)-There was pandemonium in the premises of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Northern Foresore Estate, Lekki, Lagos State as a bank Manager at a second generation bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, Mr. Olisa Nwakobi on Friday evening shot himself dead in the presence of his Priest.
Urhobotoday learnt that the 44-year- old bank Manager killed himself as his bank was troubling him over N350million he owed the bank which had been creating problem between him and his employer.
Sources close to the family told Urhobotoday at the weekend that the late Olisa was the approving officer for the loan which the beneficiary is no longer servicing and the bank was on the neck of Olisa to get the money back.
The family source further revealed that the Bank Manager had complained bitterly on how he approved a loan for a customer who had refused to service the loan.
It was alleged that he had told the priest that he would not stand the shame and disgrace of being dragged by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
“He told our father to help him beg his wife and his 10-year-old daughter to forgive him. As the priest was trying to advice him, he brought out a pistol and shot himself. He died instantly.
“The church was in confusion as the Rev Father could not believe his eyes. We are still confused. I think he said, he owed the bank over N35million,” a member of the Church who do not want his names on print told Urhobotday.
His late father Chief Patrick Oguejiofor Nwakobi, Urhobotoday gathered was a former chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, a successfully lawyer , politician and a highly respected community leader before his death.
“Fear over his integrity and the name of his family, which could be dented if his bank commences action against him over the loan, was too much for the vibrant banker to bear most have prompted him to shoot himself”, our source said.
After the incident, the Police visited the church, took photographs and interviewed the priest. “He shot himself. Armed robbers did not kill him. We loved him because he was an active member of the church. We know him very well. He was from Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government area of Anambra state. His father was also a banker,” a source from the Church revealed.
Another church member, Hilary who corroborated the story said, “I think he was under a spell by someone who borrowed money from the bank and refused to service it. I think the man cashed in on the fact that the loan was illegal and refused to service it. He should be arrested.”
State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni has ordered full investigation to unravel why the late banker killed himself.