The trial of three Wema Bank staff members, accused of hacking into the bank’s server and stealing a staggering N8.57 billion, has been stalled due to the Eid-el-Kabir holiday.
Samuel Asiegbu, Fabian Onyeimachi, and Kingsley Kejim, alongside four others – Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe – were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos on May 25, 2025.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that the group conspired to manipulate and alter Wema Bank’s data in January 2025, causing a financial loss of N8.57 billion.
The defendants face an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses.
According to the EFCC, the alleged hackers committed the crimes in connivance with Nurudeen Ibrahim and Alhaji Sulaiman, who are currently at large.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their plea, the prosecutor requested a trial date and asked that the defendants be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Facility.
However, the defense counsel for Hannah Okunlola pleaded that she be remanded in EFCC custody due to her health condition.
Justice Osiagor adjourned the matter to June 6, 2025, for trial and remanded five of the defendants in the Nigerian Correctional Services, while Kingsley Ejim Kelechi was to continue on his existing bail.
Hannah Okunlola was remanded in EFCC custody.
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