Police Arraign Two Women Over Alleged False Publication on Access Bank
Two women have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations that they circulated a false report claiming Access Bank would shut down its operations and urging customers to withdraw their funds.
The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned two women, Iderenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged false publication concerning Access Bank Plc. The defendants were brought before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a three-count charge filed by the police through the Directorate of Legal Services of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Ikoyi. According to the prosecution, the women allegedly conspired with other persons who are currently at large to circulate a report claiming that Access Bank would cease operations from September 23, 2026.
The police alleged that the publication was distributed through computer systems and social media platforms, particularly Facebook and WhatsApp. The report allegedly urged Access Bank customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds before the purported shutdown date. Prosecutors told the court that the information was false and that its circulation was allegedly capable of causing a breakdown of law and order, fear among members of the public and disruption of public peace.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on or about July 28, 2026, in Lagos. The first count accused the defendants of conspiring with others to transmit the alleged false publication, while the second alleged that they knowingly and intentionally transmitted the information through Facebook and WhatsApp. The third count alleged that they published or reproduced a statement they knew, or had reason to believe, was false and likely to cause fear and alarm among members of the public. The police cited provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, as amended in 2024, and the Criminal Code Act in bringing the charges.
When the three-count charge was read to the defendants, both women pleaded not guilty. Following their pleas, prosecuting counsel Stanley Nwafoaku asked the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial. Defence counsel Cynthia Nwanpu, appearing for the defendants, requested a short date to enable the defence file a formal bail application. Justice Aluko subsequently ordered that the two women be remanded in custody while the case proceeds.
The court adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial and indicated that any bail application filed by the defence would be given expedited consideration. The case remains at the allegation stage, and the defendants have not been convicted of any offence. The prosecution will be required to present evidence supporting its claims, while the defence will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations during the proceedings.
