The Police, on Friday, arraigned two women before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy and transmission of a false publication concerning Access Bank Plc, claiming that the lender was shutting down its operations.

The defendants, Iderenyin Samuel Umoh and Fineness Monday Esu, were arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the Police prosecuting counsel, Barr. Stanley Nwafoaku, of the Directorate of Legal Services, Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Police alleged that the defendants conspired with other persons, now at large, to transmit a false publication through computer systems and networks, claiming that Access Bank was shutting down its operations with effect from September 23, 2026. It urged customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.

When the three-count charge was read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty. Following their pleas, Barr. Nwafoaku urged the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service and adjourn the matter for trial.

However, Barr. Cynthia Nwanpu, who appeared for Barr. Ifenna Okeke, counsel to both defendants, urged the court to grant a short date to enable the defence file a formal bail application.

Justice Akintayo Aluko subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The judge adjourned the matter until November 25, 2026, for trial, pending the filing of the defendants’ bail application, which the court said would be given expeditious hearing.

In Count One, the Police alleged that the defendants, on or about July 28, 2026, in Lagos, conspired among themselves and with other persons now at large to knowingly transmit and cause the transmission of a false publication concerning Access Bank through computer systems and networks.

The alleged publication purportedly stated that the bank would shut down its operations from September 23, 2026, urging all customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.

The Police said the alleged act was committed for the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order, contrary to and punishable under Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

In Count Two, the defendants were accused of knowingly and intentionally sending and causing the transmission, through Facebook and WhatsApp, of a publication they allegedly knew to be false, representing that Access Bank was shutting down its banking operations from September 23, 2026.

The Police alleged that the publication urged members of the public and customers of the bank to close their accounts and withdraw their funds, with the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.

The charge stated that the alleged offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

In Count Three, the Police alleged that the defendants, knowing or having reason to believe that the information was false, published or reproduced a statement, rumour or report that Access Bank was shutting down its operations effective September 23, 2026, and that customers should close their accounts and withdraw their funds.

The Police said the alleged publication was likely to cause fear and alarm to the public and disturb public peace, contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.