₦104m Jaiz Bank Scandal: Former Jos Operations Officer Accused of Defrauding 12 Customers

₦104m Jaiz Bank Scandal: Former Jos Operations Officer Accused of Defrauding 12 Customers

A financial scandal involving alleged missing deposits worth ₦104 million has sparked outrage among customers of Jaiz Bank in Jos, Plateau State, following accusations against a former staff member of the bank.

The former employee, identified as 35-year-old Habiba Abdulrahman, is accused of allegedly defrauding 12 customers through fake fixed deposit investment arrangements.

The controversy gained public attention on Monday, November 2, 2026, when aggrieved customers reportedly stormed the bank's Jos branch to protest and demand the recovery of their money.

According to reports by Daily Trust, Habiba previously worked as an operations officer at Jaiz Bank's Jos branch, where her responsibilities included approving withdrawals and transfers. She was reportedly dismissed by the bank in January 2026 after irregularities were discovered.

How the Alleged Fraud Was Carried Out

According to police investigation findings, Habiba allegedly approached customers under the pretext of helping them open fixed deposit accounts with the bank.

The police alleged that she collected money from customers, issued them fake deposit slips and certificates, but never opened the promised fixed deposit accounts.

Investigators also accused her of forging customers' signatures and withdrawing money from their accounts without authorisation.

The police further alleged that she transferred the money into personal accounts belonging to her husband, Manir Murtala, and her younger sister, Zainab Abdulrahman.

A search of her residence reportedly led to the recovery of documents, including fake bank deposit slips, fixed deposit certificates and other materials allegedly connected to the transactions.

The investigation reportedly put the total amount involved at ₦104 million, affecting 12 customers.

Police findings also alleged that Habiba claimed to have invested the money in mining, although investigators reportedly could not substantiate the claim.

Customers Stage Protest in Jos

The alleged financial scandal triggered anger among affected customers, who staged a protest at the bank's premises, demanding that their money be recovered.

One of the protesters, Hashim Umar Lawal, reportedly said the dispute dated back to 2022 and appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant authorities to intervene.

Another customer, Rose Dayu, said she became aware of the problem when she attempted to withdraw money she believed had been placed in a fixed savings account but discovered that the funds were unavailable.

The affected customers insist that they believed they were dealing with the bank through its former employee and are demanding answers over the missing funds.

Jaiz Bank Reacts

Jaiz Bank has disputed claims that it was directly responsible for the disputed investment arrangements.

The bank's legal adviser, Munir Barau, told Daily Trust that the customers allegedly entered into private investment arrangements with the former employee and her husband.

He maintained that the disputed money was not deposited into official customer accounts but was transferred into personal accounts belonging to Habiba and her husband.

The bank also reportedly alleged that some of the transactions took place outside normal banking hours and at Habiba's residence.

However, some affected customers have maintained that they believed their money was being invested through the bank.

What Happened After Her Arrest?

According to reports, Habiba was arrested by the Plateau State Police Command in January 2026 following a complaint by the bank's Jos branch manager.

She was reportedly detained for about two weeks before being granted bail on health grounds.

Police findings recommended charges including conspiracy, breach of trust, forgery and cheating against her, while her husband and younger sister were also mentioned in the investigation.

The matter has reportedly proceeded to the Plateau State High Court, although the allegations have yet to be finally determined by the court.

The controversy has raised serious concerns among affected customers, who are still demanding the recovery of their money and accountability over the alleged transactions.

For now, the central question remains whether the affected customers will recover the ₦104 million they claim to have lost.

Note: The allegations against Habiba and the other individuals remain allegations and should not be treated as established guilt unless proven in court.