Okwuone told the Financial Journalists Initiative (FIJ) that he was shocked to receive a debit alert for the transaction, insisting he had not carried out any such payment on that date or prior.
“I have exhausted all means to get Zenith Bank to respond and clearly explain the details of the debit, but they have failed to satisfactorily do that,” Okwuone said on Friday.
The journalist physically reported the issue at Zenith Bank’s branch at Enugu House in Abuja’s Central Business District, where a customer service agent claimed the deduction was a reversal of a 2024 transaction.
“The latest claim by the Customer Support Unit indicated that I did an ATM transaction in November 2024 to buy data or electricity, which was erroneously reversed,” he explained.
Okwuone countered, saying, “I have never used my ATM card to make any purchase, whether power, data, or otherwise. The debit alert even showed the date 15/11/2024, yet my account statement shows no such transaction.”
After finding the bank’s explanation unconvincing, he wrote a formal complaint, acknowledged by Zenith Bank on November 27, 2025. However, he has yet to receive a substantive response.
“The only transaction I did in November 2024 was on the 5th, to an OPay account, which was fully credited. I want a detailed explanation of this debit, and I am requesting an immediate reversal of my funds,” Okwuone wrote.
He further stated, “Failure to comply may leave me with no choice but to pursue legal action, as I am very troubled that my account is no longer safe.”
Okwuone also contacted the Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department at the Central Bank of Nigeria, but his complaint has reportedly not been investigated.
In response to an email enquiry from FIJ on Monday, Zenith Bank customer service agent Uche Alusi said the matter had been “channeled appropriately” and promised that further communications would follow.