Minna — The Operations Manager of a first generation bank in Minna Mr Gokis Kizito was yesterday arrested over N2.7 million alleged to have been fraudulently withdrawn from the bank.

Our correspondent gathered that the operations manager may have facilitated the clearing of the fake cheque which was said to have been delayed for many hours at the Suleja branch, following suspicion from bank officials on its authenticity. The said bank operation manager was said to have cleared the cheque immediately it was sent to him through email without subjecting it to proper scrutiny. Kizito who has spent more than 25 years in the banking industry, speaking with our correspondent on the matter at the Niger State Police Headquarter in Minna said he did not know that the cheque was fake.

"A cheque was sent via the email from Suleja for clearance and haven checked to see that it was okay, coupled with pressure from the customer in Suleja, I had to clear it without going through the necessary procedure", he said.

Mr Monday Onyeowu, who took the cheque to the bank was also arrested. Monday however admitted that he was aware that the cheque was fake, saying he was told by the man that signed the cheque that he would be assisted by a banker who was aware of the transaction. He however denied ever meeting Mr Kizito. He said no contact was arranged between him and the said person that was expected to help him facilitate the withdrawal. Meanwhile, one Mr Tunji Abubakar who provided the cheque is currently at large. The Niger State Commissioner of Police Mr Mike Zuokumour said his men were investigating the matter and that the suspects would soon be charged to court.