Two Women Arraigned Over Alleged False Publication Against Access Bank

Two women have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and transmission of a false publication that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its operations.

The defendants, Iderenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were arraigned on a three-count charge filed by police prosecuting counsel, Barr. Stanley Nwafoaku, of the Directorate of Legal Services, Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The police alleged that the defendants conspired with others now at large to transmit the false publication through computer systems and networks, claiming that Access Bank would shut down its operations effective September 23, 2026, and urging customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.

When the charge was read to them, both defendants pleaded not guilty.

Following their pleas, Nwafoaku urged the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and adjourn the matter for trial.

However, Barr. Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared for Barr. Ifenna Okeke, counsel to the defendants, urged the court to grant a short date to enable the defence to file a formal bail application.

Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody and adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial, pending the filing of their bail application, which the court said would be given expeditious hearing.

In Count One, the police alleged that the defendants, on or about July 28, 2026, in Lagos, conspired to knowingly transmit the false publication concerning Access Bank through computer systems and networks for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.

The 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.

In Count Two, they were accused of knowingly and intentionally sending, via Facebook and WhatsApp, a publication they knew to be false, that Access Bank was shutting down its banking operations from September 23, 2026.

The charge stated that the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

In Count Three, the police alleged that the defendants, knowing or having reason to believe the information was false, published a statement, rumour or report likely to cause fear and alarm to the public and disturb public peace.

The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.