The Lagos High Court has ordered United Bank for Africa (UBA) to pay N10 million in general damages to a customer, Mr Anene Maximus Ozondili, for breach of the banker-customer relationship. Justice Lateefa Abisola Okunnu delivered the judgment on May 12, 2026.
Background of the Case
Ozondili, who operates a bank account with UBA, informed the court that the bank had unlawfully restricted access to his account since 2021. He stated that the restriction was imposed without any explanation and that he was unaware of any reason for it. He also noted that he had no pending case with any anti-graft agency and that the bank failed to disclose any court order justifying the action.
Claimant's Arguments
Despite instructing his solicitors to demand an explanation, Ozondili said the bank did not respond. He added that UBA continued to deduct charges from the restricted account. Citing severe economic hardship due to the restriction, which affected his business transactions, he urged the court to order the bank to lift the lien and grant other reliefs, including post-judgment interest. The statement of claim was filed on October 11, 2023.
Defence by UBA
In its defence, filed on January 30, 2024, UBA denied liability, arguing that the restriction was due to a pending suit marked LD/6349CCMW/19 involving Ozondili, the bank, and other parties. However, the court disagreed with the bank's position.
Court's Judgment
Delivering judgment, Justice Okunnu held: “There appears to be nothing from the defendant in terms of evidence to show when the account restriction was lifted.” The court awarded N10 million damages against UBA and ruled that interest on the judgment sum shall accrue at a rate of 10 per cent yearly from the date of judgment until the debt is fully liquidated.
