Susan Abayomi
The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned two women before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that they conspired to circulate false information claiming that Access Bank Plc was planning to shut down its operations.
The defendants, identified in the charge as Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the police.
Police prosecutor, Stanley Nwafoaku of the Directorate of Legal Services, Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos, told the court that the defendants allegedly transmitted and caused the transmission of false publications concerning Access Bank through computer systems and social media platforms.
According to the charge, the alleged publication claimed that Access Bank would cease operations from September 23, 2026, and urged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The police further alleged that the defendants circulated the information through Facebook and WhatsApp, with the publication allegedly capable of causing public fear, disrupting public peace and leading to a breakdown of law and order.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all three counts.
Following their pleas, Nwafoaku urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
However, counsel representing the defendants, Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared in place of Ifenna Okeke, requested a short date to enable the defence to file a formal bail application.
Justice Akintayo Aluko subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The court adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial, with the defendants’ bail application expected to receive an expedited hearing.
The case, filed as FHC/L/CR/773/2026, includes charges under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as amended, and the Criminal Code Act.
The allegations against the defendants remain matters before the court, and they are presumed innocent unless proven guilty according to law.
