Defendants plead not guilty as police allege publication falsely announced bank’s closure
Two women have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that they conspired to circulate a false publication claiming that Access Bank Plc would shut down its operations.
The defendants, Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were brought before the court by the Nigeria Police Force through prosecuting counsel Stanley Nwafoaku of the Directorate of Legal Services, Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Ikoyi.
They pleaded not guilty when the three-count charge was read to them.
What the police allege
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly conspired with other persons who remain at large to transmit a false publication through computer systems and networks concerning Access Bank.
The police alleged that the publication claimed the bank would cease operations from September 23, 2026, and urged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The alleged publication was said to have been circulated through platforms including Facebook and WhatsApp.
The police said the alleged action was capable of causing public disorder and constituted offences under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
The allegations have not been established by the court, and the defendants’ pleas mean the prosecution must prove its case through the judicial process.
Court orders remand
Following the arraignment, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered the two women remanded in custody and adjourned the case until November 25, 2026, pending the filing of their bail applications.
The case is registered as FHC/L/CR/773/2026.
Broader investigation into false information
The case comes amid wider efforts by the police to investigate the circulation of false information through digital platforms.
The FCID Annex in Lagos recently reported investigations into numerous complaints and said it had also arrested suspects linked to the circulation of a fake publication purporting to announce the closure of Access Bank.
The Access Bank case therefore places renewed attention on the legal consequences of spreading unverified claims about financial institutions, particularly where such claims could trigger unnecessary panic or attempts by customers to withdraw funds.
The court is expected to hear the matter further when it reconvenes in November.