The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought three Lagos-based bankers and four alleged accomplices before the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing them of orchestrating an N8.5 billion fraud.
The bankers—Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu, Fabian Onyeimachi, and Kingsley Ejim Kelechi—stood trial alongside Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe. The seven individuals face eight counts relating to conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.
According to an official EFCC statement released Monday, the accused allegedly manipulated a bank’s internal systems and altered sensitive banking data in January 2025, resulting in a financial loss of over N8.5 billion. Investigators claim the group acted in concert with others still at large, allegedly structuring the transactions for personal gain.
The EFCC stated the actions violate Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when arraigned in court.
The prosecution, led by EFCC counsel Aso Peters, requested that the court fix a trial date and remand the defendants in Nigerian Correctional Service custody. However, counsel for Hannah Okunlola pleaded for her to be remanded in EFCC custody due to health concerns.
Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the prosecution’s request for most of the accused, adjourning the case until June 6, 2025, for trial. Five defendants were remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service’s custody, while Kingsley Ejim Kelechi was permitted to remain on his existing bail terms. Hannah Okunlola was ordered to stay in EFCC custody pending further hearings.
Glide News will provide updates as the high-profile fraud trial progresses.
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