Police arraigns two women over alleged false access bank shutdown report

By Adebola Muili

Two women, Iderenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged false publication claiming that Access Bank Plc would shut down its operations from September 23, 2026.

The defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force, bordering on conspiracy, alleged transmission of false information through computer systems and networks, and publication of a false statement allegedly capable of causing fear and alarm among members of the public.

They pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them before Justice Akintayo Aluko.

The police prosecuting counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, of the Directorate of Legal Services, Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, told the court that the alleged offences were committed on or about July 28, 2026, in Lagos.

According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired with each other and other persons said to be at large to knowingly transmit and cause the transmission of a false publication concerning Access Bank Plc.

The publication allegedly stated that the bank would shut down its operations with effect from September 23, 2026, and urged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.

The prosecution alleged in the second count that the defendants knowingly and intentionally sent or caused the transmission of the publication through Facebook and WhatsApp, despite allegedly knowing that the information was false.

The police further alleged that the act was carried out for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.

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.

In the third count, the police accused the defendants of publishing or reproducing a statement, rumour or report which they allegedly knew or had reason to believe was false.

The charge stated that the publication concerning the purported shutdown of Access Bank and the instruction to customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds was likely to cause fear and alarm among the public and disturb public peace.

The offence was alleged to be contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Following the defendants’ pleas, Nwafoaku urged the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.

However, counsel for the defendants, Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared on behalf of Ifenna Okeke, sought a short date to enable the defence file a formal bail application.

Justice Aluko subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The judge adjourned the case until November 25, 2026, for trial, while the defendants’ bail application, upon filing, is to be given expeditious hearing.

The case is registered as FHC/L/CR/773/2026.

The allegations against the defendants remain allegations, as they pleaded not guilty to the charges before the court.