The Nigeria Police Force has arraigned two women accused of spreading false information about Access Bank Plc, claiming the financial institution was shutting down operations.
Police prosecuting counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, from the Directorate of Legal Services of the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, presented a three-count charge against the defendants, Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu. The alleged offence involved the transmission of false publications via social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, urging customers to close their accounts and withdraw funds.
When the charges were read, both defendants pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Nwafoaku requested that the court remand them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
Defence counsel, Cynthia Nwanpu, standing in for Ifenna Okeke, sought a short adjournment to file a formal bail application.
Presiding Judge, Justice Akintayo Aluko, ordered the defendants to be remanded and adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial. The court also assured that the bail application would receive an expeditious hearing once filed.
The charges filed under case number FHC/L/CR/773/2026 include conspiracy to transmit false publications under the Cybercrimes Act, intentional transmission of false information via social media, and publication of false statements likely to cause public fear and disturb peace under the Criminal Code Act.
