Two women were on Friday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that they conspired to transmit a false publication claiming that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its operations.
The defendants, Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were arraigned by the police prosecuting counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, from the Directorate of Legal Services of the 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 or reproduction of a statement allegedly capable of causing fear and alarm and disturbing public peace.
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When the three-count charge was read to them, the two defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following their pleas, Nwafoaku urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
However, Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared in court on behalf of Ifenna Okeke, counsel to the two defendants, urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable the defence file a formal bail application.
Justice Akintayo Aluko, who presided over the matter, ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until November 25, 2026, for trial. The court also indicated that the defendants’ bail application would be given expeditious consideration once filed.
Details of the Charge
The case is registered as FHC/L/CR/773/2026.
Count One
The police alleged that Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, on or about July 28, 2026, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, conspired among themselves and with other persons now at large to knowingly transmit and cause the transmission of a false publication through computer systems and networks concerning Access Bank Plc.
According to the charge, the publication claimed 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 police 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 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Count Two
The police further alleged that the defendants, on or about July 28, 2026, knowingly and intentionally sent and caused the transmission, through Facebook and WhatsApp, of a publication they allegedly knew to be false.
According to the charge, the publication represented that Access Bank Plc would cease its banking operations from September 23, 2026, and urged members of the public and customers of the bank to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The police alleged that the publication was made 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.
Count Three
In the third count, the police alleged that the defendants knowingly published or reproduced a statement, rumour or report concerning Access Bank Plc, despite allegedly having reason to believe that the information was false.
The alleged publication stated that the bank was shutting down its operations effective September 23, 2026, and advised customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
According to the police, the publication was likely to cause fear and alarm among members of the public and disturb public peace.
The alleged offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations remain to be proved in court.
