Two Arraigned in Lagos Over Alleged False Publication on Access Bank Operations
Two women have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of publishing and circulating false information claiming that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its operations and urging customers to withdraw their funds.
The defendants, identified as Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were brought before Justice Akintayo Aluko by the Nigeria Police Force on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, transmission of false information through computer networks and publication of reports capable of causing public alarm.
According to the charges filed by police prosecutor Stanley Nwafoaku of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, the defendants allegedly conspired with others still at large to disseminate a false publication via social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, claiming that Access Bank would cease operations on September 23, 2026.
The prosecution alleged that the publication encouraged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds, an act it said was intended to cause a breakdown of law and order.
The charges were brought under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and the Criminal Code Act.
When the charges were read in court, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and fix a date for trial.
Counsel representing the defendants sought a short adjournment to enable the filing of a formal bail application.
Justice Aluko subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded pending the hearing of their bail application and adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial and further proceedings.
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