The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned five people, including a bank official, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking into the server of Premium Trust Bank and stealing sensitive data for personal gain.
The defendants – Matthew Adeniyi (the bank’s e-payment service manager), Kehinde Odeyemi (a nursing mother), Samson Latshin, Bolaji Omotosho, and Sunday Okunnola – were brought before Justice Alexander Owoeye on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime, and illegal access to a financial institution’s system.
EFCC prosecutor, Mrs. Zeenat Atiku, told the court that the cyberattack happened between April and May this year. She alleged that the accused persons worked with three other suspects who are still on the run – Isa Ismaila, Victor Joshua (also known as “Oracle”), and one other identified only as “Humble.”
According to the EFCC, Mr. Adeniyi allegedly leaked the bank’s server IP and domain information to the group, which helped them breach Premium Trust Bank’s system. The cyber intrusion allegedly led to unauthorized financial gains of \$10,000.
The prosecution also claimed that the group attempted to bypass the bank’s security using a specially configured Hewlett-Packard laptop.
The alleged crimes are said to violate sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act of 2015, recently amended in 2024.
After their pleas, the prosecutor requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendants in custody. The court declined an oral bail application from the defence and asked for a formal application to be submitted.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the case to June 30 for trial and ordered the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility. However, he allowed the defence to seek an earlier trial date once their bail applications are properly filed.
This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime in Nigeria’s banking sector, even involving insiders with privileged access. The EFCC says it is continuing its search for the remaining suspects.
