Mercy Eke expressed dismay over the closure of Heritage Bank, revealing that she has over ₦100 million deposited with them.

Mercy Eke, the winner of “Big Brother Naija” season 4, disclosed her concerns regarding the closure of Heritage Bank, where she had over ₦100 million in her account. She shared her apprehension on X on June 6, 2024, mentioning her hope for a favorable resolution since the news broke on Monday, June 3, 2024.

Expressing her uncertainty, she stated, “I really don’t know how to react about this…I have been hoping for the best…thinking there’s a way out.”

Her followers responded promptly, offering reassurance and seeking clarity. One fan assured her that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had announced plans to prioritize depositors with lower sums, while another queried why she chose Heritage Bank over more established banks.

Mercy clarified that she opened an account with Heritage Bank because they sponsored the Big Brother Naija show during her season, and participants were advised to bank with them for prize money disbursement. She expressed regret over her decision.

Bashir Nuhu, the director of communications and public affairs at the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), explained that relevant laws necessitated immediate action to protect depositors’ funds. He outlined the process for depositors to access their funds, with priority given to those with alternate accounts within the industry.

Depositors without alternate accounts were advised to visit the nearest branch of the defunct bank with proof of account ownership and valid identification, including a driver’s license, permanent voter’s card, or National Identity Card, along with an alternate account and Bank Verification Number (BVN) for verification and subsequent payment.