The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into the involvement of Zenith Bank staff following the robbery and shooting of a 55-year-old Russian woman, Angelina Gold.
The incident occurred on Friday, June 14, 2024, shortly after Gold withdrew $3,500 from a Zenith Bank Plc branch in Ikeja.
Gold, who narrated her harrowing experience, suspects that either someone witnessed her transaction in the banking hall or that bank employees at the branch along Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja, might have leaked information to the robbers.
According to Gold, the robbery occurred less than three hours after her bank transaction.
“On Friday (June 14), my daughter and I went to Zenith Bank at Isaac John Street to collect dollars for my grandson and me to travel to my country.
It was $3,500. We had informed the bank two days prior about our intention to withdraw the amount,” she recounted.
Gold detailed how after the bank visit, she and her daughter spent some time at Oasis and Ebeano supermarkets.
They noticed a man they had seen near the bank at the Cubana bus stop.
“We saw him again near our house on Oba Akinjobi Street. He approached us after we parked in our compound, demanded the money, and shot me in the foot when I resisted,” she said.
Gold’s suspicions of insider involvement stem from the quick execution of the robbery.
“It’s impossible to organize a robbery in just two hours without insider information. Only two people were in the hall at the time.
Banks should stop dispensing dollars openly in the hall as it can trigger such robberies,” she emphasized.
Following the incident, Gold attempted to contact the bank but was hindered by the Sallah holidays.
“By the time we involved the police and I received medical treatment, the bank had closed. I’m traveling back to Russia with a bullet wound and no money.
“ I even spoke to Zenith Bank’s owner, Jim Ovia, hoping the top management is aware,” she stated.
Gold said she reported the matter to the Divisional Police Officer at Area F Police Station.
She added that the police provided escorts to the hospital and promised further security for her travel.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and stated that the case had reached the state police commissioner.
Hundeyin questioned the security guards’ actions at Gold’s residence. “How did a stranger gain entry into a private compound and leave without confrontation?
“ The security men are in detention for potential collaboration,” he revealed.
“The police have written to the bank to gather statements from the bank manager, the teller, and other employees involved in the transaction.
“The investigation will continue once the Sallah holidays end, and the bank resumes work,” Hundeyin added.
Zenith Bank’s corporate communications unit, represented by Ayoola Kushimo, responded that an official complaint must be lodged before the bank can comment.
“The case is new to me. Any complaints made on Friday would likely be addressed after the holidays on Wednesday,” he said.
Source : Sahara Reporters
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