Sterling Bank Limited has reaffirmed dedication to operating within lawful processes.
It was reacting to efforts by a group of protesters to disrupt operations in one of its branches on Wednesday.
The bank alleged the protesters were sponsored by an alleged debtor at one of its branches in the Central Business District of Abuja, dismissing it as a blatant attempt to circumvent clear court judgments.
The incident, which took place on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, involved a group claiming to be representatives of civil society organisations who obstructed access to the Sterling Bank branch.
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The demonstrators chanted songs and distributed petitions on the commercial dispute.
The bank said the entire operation was a calculated attempt to employ misinformation and public intimidation to distort the facts of a legal matter that has been conclusively determined by the courts.
The protest took place despite a Federal High Court order forbidding Miden Systems and affiliates from taking any further steps or actions related to the dispute.
Chief Security Officer at Sterling Bank, Michael Boniface , condemned the disruption.
He described the action as “reckless and contemptuous behaviour” and a “direct affront to the rule of law.”
Boniface confirmed that this latest violation will be immediately escalated to law enforcement authorities for thorough investigation and prosecution.
Security agencies contained the disturbance and normal banking operations resumed almost immediately.
Sterling Bank said at no point were customers, staff or property subjected to risk or damage throughout the incident.
The legal confrontation stems from years of defaults on a vessel lease facility reportedly granted to Miden Systems.
In 2021, the Federal High Court issued a Mareva injunction against Dr. Usoro and Miden Systems, which culminated in a consent judgment formally confirming the debtor’s liability.
In November 2024, the court dismissed a subsequent Miden Systems application to overturn it, classifying their attempt as an abuse of process.
Boniface reiterated Sterling Bank’s commitment to operating within the bounds of the law.
He stressed that integrity, discipline and respect for judicial authority remain the pillars of Sterling Bank, adding that the institution will continue to defend its reputation and protect its stakeholders from individuals who “weaponise falsehood to obstruct justice.”
The bank reaffirmed dedication to transparency, ethical conduct and cooperation with law enforcement to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
