Police Arraign Two Women Over Alleged False Reports of Access Bank Shutdown
The three-count charge, filed under suit number FHC/L/CR/773/2026, relates to alleged false publications circulated through social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp.
According to the charges, the defendants allegedly conspired with other individuals currently at large to knowingly transmit false information about Access Bank, claiming that the bank would cease operations on September 23, 2026, and urging customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The prosecution alleged that the publications were intended to cause a breakdown of law and order.
The defendants were also accused of knowingly transmitting information they allegedly knew to be false, in violation of provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Two women, I dorenyin Samuel Umoh and Finess 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 would shut down its operations on September 23, 2026.
The defendants 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.
The three-count charge, filed under suit number FHC/L/CR/773/2026, relates to alleged false publications circulated through social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp.
According to the charges, the defendants allegedly conspired with other individuals currently at large to knowingly transmit false information about Access Bank, claiming that the bank would cease operations on September 23, 2026, and urging customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The prosecution alleged that the publications were intended to cause a breakdown of law and order.
The defendants were also accused of knowingly transmitting information they allegedly knew to be false, in violation of provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The third count charged them under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, alleging that they published or reproduced a statement, rumour, or report capable of causing public fear and alarm and disturbing public peace.
When the three charges were read to them in court, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their pleas, prosecuting counsel Stanley Nwafoaku urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
However, Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared on behalf of Ifenna Okeke, counsel to the defendants, requested a short adjournment to enable the defence to file a formal bail application.
Justice Akintayo Aluko subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The court adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial. The judge also directed that the defence’s bail application, once filed, should be given expeditious hearing.
The allegations against the defendants remain unproven, as they are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
