By Christopher Oji

FACTS have emerged why a manager with the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr Olisa Nwokobi shot himself in Lagos. Daily Sun investigation revealed that the 44-year- old bank manager and graduate of Abia State University, killed himself because he was under pressure from his bank over a huge loan he

was allegedly owing.

Nwokobi had reportedly gone to his priest last Friday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Northern Foresore Estate, Lekki, Lagos and complained bitterly on how he approved a loan for a customer who had refused to service the loan.

It was alleged that he had told the priest that he would not stand the shame and disgrace of being dragged up

and down by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

A source at the church said: “He told our father to help him beg his wife and his 10-year-old daughter to

forgive him. As the priest was trying to advice him, he brought out a pistol and shot himself. He died instantly.

“The church was in confusion the Rev Father could not believe his eyes. We are still confused. I think he said the loan was about N350million.

“The Police visited the church, took photographs and interviewed the priest. He shot himself. He was not

killed by armed robbers. We loved him because he was an active member of the church. We know him very well. He was from Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government area of Anambra state. His father was also a former chairman of First bank plc.”

Another church member, Hilary who corroborated the story said: “I think he was under a spell by someone

who borrowed money from the bank and refused to service it. I think the man cashed in on the fact that the

loan was illegal and refused to service it. He should be arrested”

Lagos state Police Public Relations Officer [PPRO] Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the story said: “Yes, at

about 9:45am Olisa Nwakobi, of house number 11, Aladdin close, Chevron Drive, Lekki allegedly shot himself in the head with a pistol. He shot himself in front of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church Northern Foresore Estate.

“A team of policemen attached to the Ilasan Division visited the scene. An American pistol with five round

of unexpended ammunition was found.”    She said the corpse has been deposited at the Lagos Island morgue for autopsy.

According to her the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni has ordered full investigation to unravel

why the late banker killed himself.

Daily Sun investigation revealed that the deceased banker, whose late father, Chief Patrick Oguejiofor

Nwakobi was a former Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria plc, a successful lawyer, politician and a respected

community leader before his death might have committed suicide because of the burden of the family name.

According to the Source, it was alleged that Nwakobi was the approving officer for a N350million loan that the

beneficiary defaulted in servicing.

However, reacting to the development, the bank spokesman, Mr Diran Olojo, currently on vacation debunked

the story going round that the deceased killed himself because of pressure from the bank over loan.

According to him, the bank has nothing to do with what happened. “It is possible that he had personal financial issues which nobody could understand now. ”

Friends mourn Late banker Emeka Jude Obiora: “He happened to be my facebook friend. So sad. I was in a discussion with my friend and he asked me if I have never been that frustrated. If I were this guy, I would sell a property, service my loan, borrow more money and more”.

Jane Dora: “So sad, truly sad. That is what happened when in society a seemingly rich man is a happy man.

Sources said that he was the approving officer for the loan”.

Chris Onyeri: “You won’t have sought for a bank job in the first place. At worst you go to prison. Now you just left your wife and your daughter this way.”