The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked shareholders of the defunct Afribank Plc to claim their dividends, a statement that was issued by the Commission's spokesperson, Efe Ebelo said.

SEC said the call is part of its investor protection programme and as well as ensure that shareholders get the benefits of investing in the capital market.

According to the acting director-general, SEC, Ms. Mary Uduk, gradually, the Commission is making concrete efforts to ensure that investors get their dividends as this would reduce the high profile of unclaimed dividends in the market.

She said: "We have informed shareholders of the defunct Afribank Plc that unclaimed dividends declared by the bank are being held in trust on their behalf. This will further help reduce the volume of unclaimed dividends in the market and boost investor confidence.

"Investors that have unclaimed dividends are therefore advised to contact Carnation Registrars to process their dividend payments."Uduk said the commission has also directed Carnation Registrars and Meristem Trustees to ensure that all genuine claims of beneficiary shareholders be addressed forthwith.

"Since the company is no longer in operation, these unclaimed dividends have to be made available to the rightful owners that are the shareholders. That will go a long way in boosting investor confidence in the market. That is why we are calling on them to take advantage of this opportunity and claim their dividends," Uduk said.