Court Issues Arrest Warrants for UBA and Four Officials Over Osun LG Accounts

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, has issued arrest warrants for United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) along with four of its senior officials. This action stems from allegations regarding the unauthorized operation and upkeep of banks accounts designated for the 30 local government areas within the state.

The case, designated with the charge number MOS/601c/2025 and brought forth by the Osun State Government, was presented before the Osogbo Magisterial District's Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

According to a certified true copy of the order titled “Warrant for Arrest of Defendant Who Has Disobeyed Summons (General Title – Form No. 1)”, directed to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, the court noted: “There has been a complaint alleging that the defendant(s) permitted unauthorized individuals to operate and manage 30 accounts established in favor of the local government councils in Osun State with UBA Plc.”

Furthermore, the document revealed that the defendant(s) were summoned to appear in court but failed to do so, as asserted under oath.

The court's command stated that the defendant(s) must be brought before the court promptly to address the allegations or face further legal action.

The case has been postponed to February 10, 2026, for trial. Included as defendants are United Bank for Africa Plc; Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba; Company Secretary and Group Legal Adviser, Mr. Billy Odum; and Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuma Nweke.

The Osun State Government has filed a total of 31 counts against the bank and its officials, with each count pertaining to alleged violations connected to the commencement and maintenance of bank accounts serving the 30 local government councils within the state.

The prosecution claims in the first count that the defendants, around December 9, 2025, and on subsequent dates, at UBA’s Osun branch in the Olonkoro area of Osogbo, colluded to commit a felony by initiating, managing, and sustaining what has been labeled as illegal accounts for the Osun State Local Government Councils.

The alleged violations are said to have taken place within the jurisdiction of the Osogbo magisterial district and violate section 516 of the criminal code of Osun State, cap 34, volume 2 laws of 2002.