Reality star Mercy Eke has voiced her distress over the closure of Heritage Bank, revealing she has over N100 million in her account.
The recent revocation of Heritage Bank‘s operating license by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sent shockwaves through the banking sector. Among those affected is reality TV star Mercy Eke, who has publicly lamented having over N100 million in the beleaguered bank. This situation not only highlights the personal financial risks for Eke but also underscores the broader implications for all Heritage Bank customers..
Mercy Eke, winner of the fourth edition of Big Brother Naija, took to social media to express her distress over the situation. She explained that she opened an account with Heritage Bank because the institution sponsored the reality show. Eke feels betrayed by her account manager, whom she claims encouraged her to fix her money in the bank despite knowing its financial instability.
“I really don’t know how to react about this … I have been hoping for the best .. thinking there’s a way out…. #HeritageBank,” Eke wrote on her social media handle.
In response to fans’ inquiries, Eke revealed that she had over N100 million in her account and regretted funding it, given the bank’s issues.
Heritage Bank customers are now facing significant uncertainty. The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC) has begun the liquidation process, prioritizing refunds for those with deposits of N5 million and below. This raises concerns for individuals and businesses with larger sums deposited, like Mercy Eke.
Mercy Eke’s plight is a cautionary tale for many Nigerians. As the NDIC works through the liquidation process, customers of Heritage Bank will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that safeguards their hard-earned money. For now, Eke and others like her can only wait and hope for a favorable outcome.
Taking to her X handle, Eke expressed her frustration and uncertainty about recovering her funds. She admitted feeling regretful for trusting the bank and her account manager, who she claims misled her into fixing her money.
In an effort to recover her money, Eke has submitted a notice to the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission (NDIC). The NDIC has started the liquidation process for Heritage Bank, beginning with verification and payment of depositors with balances of N5 million and below. This process, however, leaves high-value depositors like Eke uncertain about the timeline for their refunds.
For those affected, here are some steps to consider:
Contact NDIC: Submit a notice to the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Commission to begin the claims process.
Seek Legal Advice: Consult with legal experts to understand your rights and explore potential actions.
Monitor Updates: Stay informed through official channels for the latest updates on the liquidation process and any new policies.
The Heritage Bank crisis, highlighted by Mercy Eke’s significant financial loss, serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the banking system. Customers must remain vigilant, informed, and proactive in safeguarding their financial interests.
Have you been affected by the Heritage Bank crisis? Share your experiences and tips for navigating this financial uncertainty in the comments below.