Setting ablaze our creek branch unfortunate, says Sterling Bank

By Odunewu Segun

Sterling Bank has described as unfortunate the harassment of its staff and setting ablaze of its creek branch office by some irate mob pursuing a fleeing policemen who allegedly shot a tanker driver on creek road Apapa on Wednesday, July 19.

An armed mobile policeman fleeing from an irate mob after shooting a tanker driver ran into the bank’s premises to escape being lynched, disrupting banking operations earlier today.

Security operatives attached to the bank disarmed and arrested the fleeing mobile policeman but did not hand him over to the irate mob with the intention of handing over to the authorities. The mob got upset and attacked the bank with the intention of unleashing mayhem on staff and customers. The branch’s reception area was vandalized and set ablaze.

In a statement released by the bank, the security operatives attached to the branch prevented the mob from entering the branch while evacuating staff and customers before the arrival of police reinforcement. The branch has now been temporarily shut down.

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According to the statement, Sterling Bank is working with security agencies to resolve the issue. “We wish to inform all our customers that normal services will continue at nearby branches and through all our electronic channels.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos state Police Command, said it has in custody the Police Office alongside 18 suspected hoodlums who allegedly set the bank ablaze.

In a statement released by the state’s police spokesperson, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, the command received a distress call from the Chief Security Officer, CSO of a new generation bank located in the area.

“The caller said hoodlums were trying to take laws into their hands by setting the bank ablaze following the shooting of a tank driver by a policeman, attached to the bank after an altercation.” he said.

Famous-Cole said operatives of the command including the Area Commander Apapa, the Rapid Response Squad, RRS and other security agents quickly rushed to the scene to take charge of the situation.

The Assistant Superintendent of Police said the fire at the banks was put out by the police and other security agencies as the tanker driver, identified as Azeez was rushed immediately to the hospital for treatment.

“Contrary to reports making rounds in the news, only one tanker driver was shot.” Famous-Cole reiterated. The policeman has been arrested and would be charged to court immediately, the police mouth-piece said.

“We are no longer going to tolerate the act of lawlessness and impunity by members of the public.” the statement read.