Access Bank Responds to Allegations of Former Employee Secretly Filming Female Colleagues

Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has issued a formal response to disturbing allegations involving a former employee accused of secretly recording female colleagues in compromising situations. The accused, Stephen Ifeanyichukwu Ejezie, a former Quality Assurance Specialist at the bank’s Oniru, Lagos contact centre, allegedly recorded over 400 videos of colleagues in restrooms, prompting widespread outrage and raising concerns about workplace safety and privacy.

Incident Details

The incident came to light on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., when a female staff member at the Oniru contact centre noticed a mobile phone recording her in the restroom. The discovery led to the immediate apprehension of Ejezie, who was allegedly caught in the act. Subsequent investigations revealed that Ejezie had been secretly filming colleagues for an extended period, amassing hundreds of videos, some of which were reportedly sold on platforms such as OnlyFans and Telegram for financial gain.

A police raid on Ejezie’s residence uncovered a cache of compromising footage, intensifying the gravity of the allegations. The videos allegedly featured female employees in private moments, violating their privacy and dignity. The revelation has sparked significant backlash, with many questioning how such activities went undetected within the bank’s premises.

Access Bank’s Response

In a statement released on April 27, 2025, Access Bank confirmed that it had terminated Ejezie’s employment immediately upon discovering his actions. The bank emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward harassment, privacy violations, and any form of misconduct, underscoring its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.

“Access Bank Plc is deeply committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all employees,” the statement read. “Upon discovering the actions of the former employee, we took swift action by terminating his employment and are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities to ensure justice is served.”

The bank also noted that it is actively engaging with affected employees, offering support and counseling to help them navigate the emotional and psychological impact of the incident. Access Bank urged the public to rely on official updates and refrain from spreading unverified information that could further harm those affected.

Law Enforcement Involvement

The case has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, which is conducting a thorough investigation. Following the raid on Ejezie’s residence, authorities confirmed the recovery of incriminating evidence, including the aforementioned videos. However, reports indicate that Ejezie has been released from custody, fueling concerns among Access Bank staff about the likelihood of justice being served. Employees have expressed frustration over the perceived leniency, with some calling for stricter measures to ensure accountability.

Workplace Policy Changes

In response to the incident, Access Bank has implemented immediate changes to its workplace policies to prevent similar occurrences. The bank has banned overnight stays at the Oniru contact centre, a practice that some employees reportedly engaged in due to long working hours or convenience. Additionally, Access Bank has warned that any employee found engaging in similar misconduct will face severe consequences, including termination and legal action.

The bank is also reviewing its security protocols, including surveillance systems and access controls, to ensure that private areas such as restrooms remain secure. These measures aim to rebuild trust among employees and demonstrate the institution’s commitment to addressing the fallout from the incident.

Broader Implications

The allegations against Ejezie have sparked a broader conversation about workplace safety, particularly for women, in Nigeria’s corporate sector. The incident has highlighted the need for robust policies to protect employees from harassment and privacy violations, as well as the importance of fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.

Employees at Access Bank’s Oniru contact centre have voiced concerns about the psychological toll of the incident, with some questioning the adequacy of existing safeguards. The bank’s swift response and cooperation with authorities have been acknowledged, but many are calling for long-term measures to prevent such breaches in the future.

Public Reaction

The incident has generated significant attention on social media platforms, including X, where users have expressed outrage over the violation of privacy and the potential exploitation of the recorded footage. Some have criticized Access Bank for failing to detect Ejezie’s activities sooner, while others have praised the bank’s decisive action in terminating his employment and supporting law enforcement efforts.

Public discourse has also focused on the ethical implications of platforms like OnlyFans and Telegram, where the videos were allegedly distributed. Calls for stricter regulation of such platforms have intensified, with advocates urging authorities to crack down on the illegal sale of non-consensual content.

Moving Forward

Access Bank has pledged to continue supporting its employees and cooperating with authorities as the investigation progresses. The bank is also expected to roll out additional training programs to educate staff on workplace ethics, privacy rights, and reporting mechanisms for suspicious behavior.

As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains on Access Bank’s handling of the situation and the broader issue of ensuring employee safety in corporate environments. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, accountability, and proactive measures to protect the rights and dignity of all employees.

For now, Access Bank has called for calm and urged stakeholders to await the outcome of the police investigation. The bank’s actions in the coming weeks will likely shape its reputation and the trust of its workforce as it navigates this challenging chapter.