Women Charged for Spreading False Access Bank Shutdown Rumor

Idorenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu were arraigned in Lagos over allegations of disseminating false information regarding Access Bank Plc. The prosecution claims they conspired with others to publish a message on social media, specifically Facebook and WhatsApp, on July 28, 2026, stating that Access Bank would cease operations on September 23, 2026.

This message urged customers to withdraw their funds and close their accounts, potentially causing public panic. The charges against them are based on Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, and Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecuting counsel S.

I. Nwafoaku requested that they be remanded in custody pending trial, while their lawyer opposed this and sought bail. Justice Akintayo Aluko ordered the defendants to file formal bail applications and adjourned the case until November 25, 2026.

The case follows a similar incident involving OPay, which faced false shutdown claims earlier.