The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three bankers and four other individuals before the Federal High Court in Lagos for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme amounting to N8.5 billion.
The arraigned bankers—Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu, Fabian Onyeimachi, and Kingsley Ejim Kelechi—stood trial alongside Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe. They face eight counts related to conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.
In a statement released on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the defendants allegedly manipulated a bank’s internal systems and altered key financial data in January 2025, resulting in a loss of N8,568,090,500.
The Commission further alleged that the accused conspired with others still at large to carry out the fraudulent activity, designed to secure economic gains for themselves. These actions, according to the EFCC, are in violation of Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
All defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. EFCC counsel Aso Peters subsequently requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service. However, the defence counsel for Hannah Okunlola pleaded for her to be remanded in EFCC custody due to health concerns.
Presiding judge, Justice Daniel Osiagor, granted the prosecution’s request and scheduled the trial to commence on June 6, 2025.
Five defendants were remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, while Kingsley Ejim Kelechi was allowed to remain on existing bail. Hannah Okunlola was ordered to stay in EFCC custody pending further proceedings.
ADEOLA KUNLE
