The Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded two women, Idorenyin Umoh and Fineness Esu, in a correctional facility over allegations that they conspired to circulate a false publication about Access Bank Plc.
The defendants were arraigned by the police on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, transmission of false information and conduct likely to cause a breakdown of law and order.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/L/CR/773/2026, the alleged offences were committed on or about July 28, 2026, in Lagos.
Prosecuting counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired with themselves and others still at large to knowingly transmit a false publication concerning Access Bank through computer systems and networks.
He said the publication claimed that the bank would shut down its operations on September 23, 2026, and urged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
Nwafoaku said the alleged publication was transmitted through Facebook and WhatsApp.
He told the court that the publication was capable of causing fear and alarm among members of the public and disturbing public peace.
The prosecution further alleged that the conduct amounted to an offence under Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, as well as Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
After the charges were read to them, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Nwafoaku subsequently urged the court to remand the women in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and adjourn the case for trial.
Defence counsel, Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared for Ifenna Okeke, sought a short adjournment to enable the defence to file a formal bail application.
Justice Akintayo Aluko subsequently ordered that Umoh and Esu be remanded in a correctional facility.
The judge adjourned the case until November 25, 2026, for trial, pending the filing and hearing of the defendants’ bail application.
