WEMA BANK FACES LEGAL CHALLENGES AND RECORDS PROGRESS IN COMBATING FRAUD

Wema Bank Faces Legal Challenges and Records Progress in Combating Fraud

In a recent report by Economy Post, it has been revealed that Moruf Oseni's Wema Bank has encountered significant legal challenges, with court cases amounting to N8.067 billion as of September 2023. Additionally, the bank reported losses of N239.920 million to fraud and burglary during the nine-month period leading up to September 2023, as disclosed in the bank's financial statement released to the Nigerian Exchange Group.

WEMA BANK 

However, despite these setbacks, there is a notable improvement in the bank's situation compared to the previous year. The litigation claims, though substantial, represent only 3.2 percent of the N8.331 billion reported in December 2022. Similarly, the fraud and burglary losses in the third quarter of 2023 indicate a significant 73 percent reduction from the N880.154 million recorded in the same period of 2022.

Analysts attribute this positive trend to Wema Bank's increased investment in technology. The bank's technology expenditure rose by 31 percent, reaching N1.856 billion by September 2023, up from N1.421 billion in September 2022. This strategic move to enhance technological capabilities is seen as a proactive measure to combat fraud and protect the bank's interests.

Mr. Tobe Iloani, a Lagos-based IT expert, emphasized the critical importance of technology investment for banks, especially in the face of increasing cyber threats. "Investment in technology is critical for banks because they are targeted by fraudsters who have cliques all over the world. If you do not spend in technology, you will spend time in courts with depositors," Mr. Iloani stated.

As Wema Bank focuses on fortifying its technological infrastructure, the financial industry will be keenly watching for further developments in the bank's efforts to address legal challenges and enhance security measures.