Two women, Iderenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of conspiring to circulate false information claiming that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its operations.
The defendants were brought to court on a three-count charge filed by the Police through the Directorate of Legal Services of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos. They pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the Police, the women allegedly worked with other persons still at large to circulate a false publication through computer systems and social media, claiming that Access Bank would cease operations from September 23, 2026. The message reportedly urged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The prosecution alleged that the publication was circulated through platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp and was intended to cause public fear, alarm and a possible breakdown of law and order.
The charges were brought under provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, as amended in 2024, and the Criminal Code Act.
Following their pleas, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in custody pending trial. Their lawyer, Barrister Cynthia Nwanpu, however, asked the court for time to file a formal bail application.
Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and adjourned the case until November 25, 2026, for trial. The court also indicated that any bail application would be considered expeditiously.
