The EFCC has arraigned three Lagos bankers and four accomplices in Federal High Court, Lagos, over an alleged N8.5bn fraud scheme involving manipulation of bank systems and data

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought three Lagos bankers and four alleged accomplices before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Also read: EFCC recovers funds, arrests suspects in N1.3 trillion CBEX ponzi scheme, Chairman Olukoyede reveals

They face an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence, linked to an N8.5 billion fraud scheme.

The accused bankers are Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu, Fabian Onyeimachi, and Kingsley Ejim Kelechi. Their co-defendants include Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe.

According to a statement issued on Monday, May 26, 2025, by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the alleged fraud occurred in January 2025.

The accused persons are said to have manipulated a bank’s internal systems and altered critical banking data, resulting in a substantial financial loss totaling N8,568,090,500.

The accused persons were said to have manipulated a bank’s internal systems and altered critical banking data in January 2025, causing a financial loss totalling N8,568,090,500.

The EFCC alleges that the defendants conspired with others currently at large to execute these fraudulent transactions, designed to confer economic benefits upon themselves.

The prosecution contends that the defendants committed an offence contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

Upon the reading of the charges, all the defendants pleaded not guilty. Following their plea, EFCC counsel, Aso Peters, requested the court to set a trial date and to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

However, the defence counsel representing Hannah Okunlola requested that she be remanded in EFCC custody instead, citing concerns over her health condition.

Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the prosecution’s request for remand and adjourned the case to June 6, 2025, for trial.

Also read: EFCC arraigns three for allegedly defrauding Access Bank of N3.5bn

The EFCC statement further detailed the remand arrangements: five of the defendants were remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, while Kingsley Ejim Kelechi was permitted to continue on his existing bail.

Hannah Okunlola was ordered to remain in EFCC custody pending further hearing.