Two women, Idorenyin Umoh and Fineness Esu, have been remanded at a correctional facility after they were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged false publication concerning Access Bank Plc.
The police charged the defendants with three counts bordering on conspiracy, false information, and conduct likely to cause a breakdown of law and order.
According to the charge sheet marked FHC/L/CR/773/2026, the alleged offences occurred in Lagos on or about July 28, 2026.
Prosecuting counsel, Stanley Nwafoaku, told the court that the women allegedly conspired with others still at large to transmit a false publication about Access Bank through computer systems and networks.
The alleged publication claimed that the bank would shut down operations on September 23, 2026, while urging customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.
The prosecution said the publication was circulated through Facebook and WhatsApp and was capable of causing fear and alarm, disrupting public peace, and leading to a breakdown of law and order.
The offences were said to contravene provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and the Criminal Code Act.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Nwafoaku subsequently asked the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
Defence counsel, Cynthia Nwanpu, requested a short adjournment to enable the defence to file a formal bail application.
Justice Akintayo Aluko subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility.
The case was adjourned until November 25, 2026, for trial, pending the filing and hearing of the bail application.
