Nigeria’s banking industry has come under renewed public scrutiny after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned a former employee of Access Bank Plc over the alleged theft and diversion of ₦294.6 million.
The defendant, Chinonso Akujobi, appeared before Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on a five-count charge bordering on alleged stealing and unlawful conversion of bank funds.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences occurred between January and December 2025 while Akujobi was employed by the bank. Prosecutors alleged that funds were diverted from the bank’s general ledger into an account linked to the defendant and two other individuals through unauthorised transactions.
One of the charges states that more than ₦109.3 million was allegedly converted for personal use, contrary to the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Akujobi pleaded not guilty to all five charges when they were read in court.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending further proceedings.
Justice I.O. Ijelu adjourned the case until October 8, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of trial. The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The case adds to a growing list of financial crime prosecutions as Nigerian authorities continue efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the country’s banking system.
