The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi has denied the federal government’s involvement in the share transactions of the First Bank Holdings (First Holdco).

Responding to a report by the ThisDay Newspaper of July 17, 2025, and Arise TV suggesting that 25% of First Bank Holdings (First Holdco) shares were transferred to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) trustee, the AGF in a statement by Special  Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kamarudeen Ogundele, said the report was “inaccurate, misleading, resentful and malicious.”

He added that “Neither the Federal Government of Nigeria nor the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice participated in acquiring the shares in question. The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice debunks this falsehood to prevent confusion or misconceptions about First Holdco’s ownership and governance.

“The circumstances surrounding the shareholding structure are distinct from any government involvement. However,  it is aware of a trustee set up by the First Holdco, with the CBN approving Stanbic IBTC to oversee it as a third party.”

The statement called on the media to exercise restraint, professionalism, and due diligence in carrying out their duties to avoid violating the law,  adding that “We assure the public of continuous commitment to the promotion of the Rule of Law, Justice, equity, accountability, transparency and service to the nation by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

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