Four defendants, including Zenith Bank Plc, are set for arraignment on July 21 over the alleged hacking of Makers Island Company Limited’s bank account and financial records
The Inspector-General of Police is set to arraign four defendants, including Zenith Bank Plc, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 21 over the alleged hacking of the bank account and confidential financial records of Makers Island Company Limited.
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Justice Hauwa Yilwan fixed the date on Monday after the prosecution informed the court that all the defendants, except the bank, had been served with the charge, paving the way for formal arraignment.
The IGP Cybercrime Charges name Oluwaseyi Famouza, Paul Oku, Yesu-Felix Abosede Alice, and Zenith Bank Plc as defendants in an eight-count charge alleging conspiracy, unlawful access to computer systems, unauthorised disclosure of confidential financial information and related offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/349/2026, the defendants allegedly used electronic communication systems and banking computer infrastructure to gain unauthorised access to, intercept and disclose confidential financial data belonging to Makers Island Company Limited.
The police further alleged that the actions were carried out without lawful authority or a court order, contrary to the provisions of Sections 6, 11, 12(2), 16(1) and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act.
When the matter came up on Monday, only the first defendant, Oluwaseyi Famouza, was present in court.
Prosecution counsel F.G. Gabriel informed the court that the remaining individual defendants had already been served with the charge, while service on Zenith Bank Plc would be completed before the close of business.
Following the update, Justice Yilwan adjourned proceedings until July 21, when all defendants are expected to appear before the court to take their pleas.
The case marks another significant prosecution under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, legislation enacted to combat offences such as unauthorised access to computer systems, identity theft, electronic fraud, data interference and breaches involving critical digital infrastructure.
In recent years, Nigerian law enforcement agencies have increasingly relied on the Act to investigate and prosecute alleged cyber-related financial crimes affecting individuals, businesses and financial institutions.
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The allegations remain unproven, and all four defendants are presumed innocent unless and until the charges are established in court.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
