The operatives of Force Criminal Investigation Department ForceCID Annex Alagbon-Ikoyi Lagos, today, arraigned two middle aged ladies, Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, before a Federal High Court, Lagos, over an alleged false publication claiming that Access Bank Plc would shut down its operations from September 23, 2026.
The two defendants, Umoh and Esu, were arraigned before the court presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko on a three-count charge marked FHC/L/CR/773/2026.
The prosecutor, Sternly I. Nwafoaku, told the court that, the defendants allegedly conspired with other persons said to be at large to transmit a false publication through computer systems and networks concerning the bank.
The prosecution alleged that the two defendants on or about July 28, 2026, in Lagos, circulated messages on Facebook and WhatsApp claiming that Access Bank was shutting down its banking operations and advising customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The police alleged that the publication was made knowingly and intentionally, with the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.
The defendants were also accused of publishing or reproducing a statement, rumour or report they knew or had reason to believe was false and which was likely to cause fear and alarm and disturb public peace.
The defendants’ actions according to the prosecutor, contravened sections 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. And section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
Meanwhile, the two defendants, had denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the three counts charge
Based on their plea of not guilty, the prosecutor prayed the court for a trial date, as well, prayed that the two defendant be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Services NCoS facility, pending the conclusion of the matter.
However, the defendants through their lawyer, orally applied for their bail. The submission, which was vehemently opposed by the prosecutor.
Ruling on the parties’ submissions, Justice Aluko ordered the defendants’ to file their bail application before the next adjourned date. While also ordered that they be remanded pending the hearing of the bail application.
The defendants’ trial has been fixed for November 25.