Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN), leading body in the Blockchain sector, has commenced the process of sanitizing the sector by weeding out those who bring disrepute to the sector.
The association in a statement released and made available to Daily Independent by its President, Obinna Iwuno, said the move became necessary in line with its mandate to promoting and safeguarding the integrity, transparency, and ethical standards of the blockchain industry in Nigeria.
“As part of our mandate, we strive to ensure that our members adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards, particularly in protecting consumers and investors within the blockchain and cryptocurrency space.
“Investigations and reviews carried out by the Association found out that many individuals have flouted its Code of Conduct contrary to the Association’s mandate and policy,” the statement read.
The Association disclosed that, following thorough investigations and reviews, several individuals have been found to be in violation of SiBAN’s Code of Conduct, which every registered member is bound to uphold.
The indicted individuals, according to the statement, have been expelled from SiBAN, while others have been disassociated due to their unregistered status and unauthorised activities that contravene the association’s objectives and policies.
“SiBAN’s decision to expel and disassociate ourself from these individuals stems from various documented activities that have undermined the association’s credibility, caused confusion among stakeholders, and misled the public,” the statement added.
The reasons for the expulsion and disassociation of the indicted individuals are below.
Creation of a Parallel Organisation: Some of the individuals involved have attempted to create or promote a parallel organisation purporting to represent SiBAN’s interests. This has led to confusion within the blockchain community, as well as with regulators, investors, and the public.
Misrepresentation of SiBAN: It has come to our attention that certain expelled and disassociated individuals have falsely represented themselves as officials or representatives of SiBAN without proper authorisation.
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Illegal Parading as SiBAN Officials: In addition to unauthorised misrepresentation, some individuals have taken further steps to parade themselves as elected officials of SiBAN, even though they hold no such positions within the association.
Violation of SiBAN’s Code of Conduct: SiBAN has a strict Code of Conduct that requires members to comply with ethical standards and regulatory frameworks, including those set by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other government bodies overseeing financial and technological industries.
As a result of these infractions, the association said that the following individuals have been expelled from SiBAN, or in cases where they were never registered members, we disassociate ourself from them: Emmanuel Babalola, Chris Ani, Senator Ihenyen, Tony Emeka Nwabishop, Paul Ezeafulukwe, Toritseju Kaka, Jude Ozinegbe,
Stanley Golomo, Asemota Igiogbe, Ifeoma Ben,
Iliasu Yakubu and others involved in similar activities.
“It is important to clarify that while these individuals were either registered members of the association at one time or associated with SiBAN, their actions are not representative of the association’s values or goals,” the statement explained.
It further called on the general public and stakeholder in the industry to beware of this notice and refrain from dealing with these individuals on behalf of SiBAN.
“Given the situation, SiBAN strongly advises all members of the public, businesses, and regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other relevant government agencies, to refrain from engaging in any dealings with the aforementioned individuals on behalf of SiBAN.
“These individuals are not authorised to represent SiBAN in any capacity, and any claims to the contrary are false and misleading.
“Any dealings with them under the impression that they are acting on behalf of SiBAN should be considered illegal and should be reported to the association”.
Commitment to Ethical Standards and Consumer Protection, SiBAN reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring that the blockchain industry in Nigeria operates transparently, ethically, and in full compliance with national regulations.
“As the leading association for blockchain stakeholders in Nigeria, we will continue to uphold the highest standards in all our activities, including the enforcement of our Code of Conduct and the promotion of safe and fair practices in the industry”.
Moving forward the association encourages stakeholders, both in Nigeria and internationally, to engage with SiBAN directly through our official communication channels for any inquiries, confirmations, or reports of misrepresentation.
SiBAN will remain vigilant in addressing any further attempts to mislead the public or operate outside of our established ethical framework.
