Reality star Mercy Eke, winner of Big Brother Naija Season 4, has expressed her distress following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s revocation of Heritage Bank’s operating license. Eke revealed on her X account that she has over ₦100 million in her account with the bank and is worried about retrieving her funds.
Eke explained that she opened the account because Heritage Bank sponsored the Big Brother Naija edition she won. She also blamed her account manager for encouraging her to fix her money in the bank, despite knowing the bank’s issues.
“I really don’t know how to react about this,” she wrote on Thursday. “I have been hoping for the best, thinking there’s a way out.” When a fan asked if she had an account with the bank, Eke replied, “I do… and have above ₦100 million with them.”
Another fan questioned why she chose Heritage Bank over more popular banks. Eke explained, “That was the bank that sponsored BBN during my set. For them to pay our money, we were advised to open an account with them. Stupid me went ahead and funded the account. I’m full of regrets right now.”
Eke mentioned that she has submitted a notice to the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) in an attempt to retrieve her money. The NDIC has begun the liquidation process of Heritage Bank, starting with verification and payment to depositors. However, refunds will begin with those having ₦5 million or below, which concerns Eke.
Bashir Nuhu, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at NDIC, stated that the refund process would prioritize those with alternate accounts in other banks, using their Bank Verification Number (BVN). Depositors with funds exceeding ₦5 million will be paid a liquidation dividend once the bank’s assets are realized and debts recovered. Nuhu advised depositors without alternate accounts to visit the nearest bank branch with proof of account ownership and identification for verification and payment of insured sums.
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