Two women, Iderenyin Samuel Umoh and Finess Monday Esu, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and transmission of false information concerning Access Bank Plc.
The defendants were arraigned by the Police prosecuting counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, of the Directorate of Legal Services, Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Nigeria Police Force, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, transmission of false information through computer systems and networks, and publication of a false statement allegedly capable of causing fear and alarm to the public.
According to the charge, the defendants, on or about July 28, 2026, in Lagos, allegedly conspired with other persons still at large to knowingly transmit and cause the transmission of a false publication concerning Access Bank Plc.
The publication allegedly claimed that the bank was shutting down its operations effective September 23, 2026, and urged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The police alleged that the publication was circulated through social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, with the intention of causing a breakdown of law and order.
When the three-count charge was read to them, the two defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Following their pleas, Nwafoaku urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and fix a date for trial.
However, counsel representing the defendants, Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared for Ifenna Okeke, asked the court to grant a short date to enable the defence file a formal application for bail.
Justice Akintayo Aluko subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending further proceedings.
The court adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial, while directing that the defendants’ bail application, once filed, be given expeditious hearing.
The charge, filed as suit number FHC/L/CR/773/2026, alleged in the first count that the defendants conspired among themselves and with other persons at large to knowingly transmit a false publication through computer systems and networks concerning Access Bank Plc, contrary to and punishable under Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
In the second count, the police alleged that the defendants knowingly and intentionally sent and caused the transmission, through Facebook and WhatsApp, of a publication they knew to be false, claiming that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its banking operations with effect from September 23, 2026, and urging members of the public and customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The alleged offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The third count alleged that the defendants, knowing or having reason to believe that the information was false, published or reproduced a statement, rumour or report that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its operations effective September 23, 2026, and that customers should close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
According to the police, the alleged publication was likely to cause fear and alarm among members of the public and disturb public peace, thereby constituting an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
