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However, an insider at First Bank, who wishes to remain anonymous, has now refuted the claim, saying that Mr. Lawal was only invited to help EFCC with its investigation into the matter.

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“An Executive Director of FirstBank was invited by the EFCC to assist with the ongoing investigations into sums allegedly received from the former Minister of Petroleum, .  As a law abiding citizen, Mr. Lawal is cooperating fully with the authorities," the source says.

First Bank has so far distanced itself from the story, and has yet to release an official statement at the time this story was published.

"FirstBank will issue an official statement on this matter in due course,” the inside source concluded.

The EFCC is still investigating the money-laundering charge against Mrs. Allison-Madueke.