The story surrounding Tunde Thomas did not begin as a banking scandal. It began as a deeply personal tragedy that quickly moved into the public sphere through a petition, widespread social media sharing, and sustained media coverage. As the narrative expanded, it drew in one of Nigeria’s major financial institutions, First City Monument Bank, and its top leadership.
This article presents the full timeline of events as reported by major outlets, allowing readers to see how the controversy unfolded and why it gained such national attention.
Who Tunde Thomas was in the public story
Tunde Thomas was known to the public primarily through his connection to the controversy. He was identified in multiple reports as the former husband of Moyo Thomas, a former employee of FCMB. His death became a central reference point in the petition that later circulated online and in the media.
Beyond this connection, public reporting did not delve deeply into his private life. What elevated his name into national conversation was the way his death was linked, through claims in a petition, to allegations involving senior figures at FCMB.
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16 December 2020, the death that set the context
The date 16 December 2020 was repeatedly cited in reports and public statements as the day Tunde Thomas died. This date became important because it framed the timeline that followed and was referenced in discussions around the petition and subsequent media coverage.
From the outset, different narratives circulated online about the circumstances surrounding his death, creating a foundation for intense public debate.
31 December 2020, the petition emerges
On 31 December 2020, an online petition entered public view and began gaining traction. The petition called on regulators to take action over claims it described as unethical behaviour involving FCMB’s managing director and a former employee of the bank.
The petition alleged an affair, raised claims about the paternity of two children, and linked these claims to the death of Tunde Thomas. As the petition spread, screenshots and excerpts circulated widely on social media, pushing the story beyond niche discussion into mainstream awareness.
1 January 2021, FCMB responds publicly
On 1 January 2021, FCMB publicly acknowledged that allegations were circulating. The bank stated that its board was reviewing the situation, signalling that the issue had moved from social media discussion into an institutional process.
This acknowledgment marked a turning point. From that moment, the story was no longer only about a petition. It became a matter involving corporate governance, leadership accountability, and public trust.
2 January 2021, national media attention intensifies
By 2 January 2021, national news outlets were reporting that FCMB would probe the allegations amid growing public pressure. Headlines focused on the seriousness of the claims and the bank’s responsibility to respond.
At the same time, reports continued to reference the petition as the source of the allegations, while clearly distinguishing between what was claimed and what had not yet been established.
3 to 4 January 2021, public reaction drives momentum
As coverage expanded, public reaction became part of the story. Social media users shared the petition widely, while commentators debated corporate ethics and personal responsibility.
Reports described rising anger among some members of the public, including calls for sanctions and threats by some customers to withdraw their business from the bank. This wave of reaction increased reputational pressure on FCMB and amplified the urgency of its internal response.
5 to 6 January 2021, managing director goes on leave
On 5 January 2021, reports confirmed that FCMB’s managing director, Adam Nuru, had gone on leave while a panel examined the allegations. The decision was presented as a step to allow the review process to proceed without distraction.
The following day, further reports noted that the managing director had volunteered to step aside temporarily, reinforcing the seriousness with which the bank was treating the controversy.
This moment represented the peak of institutional action during the height of public attention.
9 January 2021, Moyo Thomas breaks her silence
On 9 January 2021, Moyo Thomas issued a public statement. In it, she denied telling her husband that he was not the father of her children, a claim that had featured prominently in online narratives.
She also urged caution in how claims about her former husband’s death were discussed, drawing attention to the absence of proven medical facts in public discourse.
Her statement added a new layer to the story, challenging some of the most widely shared versions of events and reminding readers that multiple perspectives existed.
July 2021, leadership change and FCMB’s conclusion
In July 2021, FCMB announced the end of Adam Nuru’s service as managing director. The bank stated that its board had reviewed the allegations that surfaced at the end of 2020 and that the review did not establish a breach of its internal policies.
Around the same time, leadership changes were announced, including the appointment of a new managing director, bringing institutional closure to the episode.
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Why the story continued to resonate
The Tunde Thomas story resonated far beyond its original context because it sat at the intersection of private tragedy, corporate power, and public accountability.
The speed at which the petition spread, combined with sustained media coverage and intense online debate, ensured that the story remained part of public conversation long after the initial headlines faded.
For many readers, the name Tunde Thomas became symbolic of unanswered questions, while for institutions, the episode underscored the impact of public perception in the digital age.
Author’s Note
This story shows how quickly a personal tragedy can evolve into a national controversy once it enters the public domain. The Tunde Thomas timeline reminds readers that headlines are shaped not only by events, but by how those events are shared, discussed, and responded to in public spaces.
References
TheCable, “Over 400 sign petition asking CBN to sack FCMB’s MD over ‘marriage scandal’”, 31 December 2020.
Sahara Reporters, “We’re reviewing allegations against our MD, Nuru, FCMB”, 1 January 2021.
FCMB Limited, “FCMB Limited announces the end of service of Mr Adam Nuru as Managing Director”, July 2021.
