GAINESVILLE, Fla.–Three people have joined in a $90 million lawsuit against Campus USA FCU as the result of an alleged loan application denial, a call to the police and other alleged illegal actions. 

The 18-page lawsuit is based on a March 20, 2024 incident and was filed by Renda Okike, Amanda Okike and Chidozie Okike in the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Alachua County, Fla., according to WGNV.

According to the plaintiffs, Renda Okike and Amanda Okike went to the credit union to apply for a personal loan of $33,000. They were accompanied by Chidoze Okike, a four year member and a financial advisor who is Black.

In an interview with WCTP, Renda Okike said that as soon as they sat down in a cubicle with a Campus USA loan officer, “We knew something was wrong.”

Chidoze Okike told WCTPthe loan officer was “looking at me in disgust.”

The lawsuit alleges the rep who met with them asked multiple times how they were related, even though Chidoze Okike was not there for a loan. 

‘Odd Behavior’

Renda Okike said she noticed the loan officer’s “noticeably odd behavior.”

The loan officer then informed them their loan application had been denied “due to residence,” the lawsuit alleges.

“She was gloating; she was happy they were denying it,” Chidoze Okike told WCTP. “I knew it was BS based on residency. You ask for documentation.”

According to the news report, the loan applicants own three homes in the area and have never had a problem getting a loan. 

‘I Was Ashamed’

“I was ashamed and humiliated as a Black man. They knew why it had happened,” Chidoze Okike said. 

Renda and Amanda Okike filed a complaint with the credit union that they claimed was dismissed. 

Two days after the interaction at the credit union, the suit alleges a police officer arrived at their home after a Campus USA FCU employee dialed 911 and reported that Renda and Amanda Okike may be victims of abuse. The news report played a portion of the call, with the lawsuit alleging the credit union employee had stated Chidoze Okike been aggressive and Renda had a black eye. 

The police officer left after determining there had been no abuse.

Renda and Amanda Okike filed a complaint with the Alachua County EEOC which said there was reasonable cause for a violation of the Alachua County Human Rights Ordinance.

Settlement Allegedly Rejected

The news report said Campus USA had offered to settle for $10,000, but the settlement was rejected. Amanda, Renda and Chidoze Okike are seeking the $90 million alleging discrimination, emotional distress, negli