The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former employee of Access Bank Plc, Chinonso Akujobi, before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged theft of ₦294.5 million from the financial institution.
Defendant pleads not guilty to five-count charge
Akujobi was arraigned before Justice I.O. Ijelu on a five-count charge bordering on stealing and fraudulent practices allegedly committed while she was employed by the bank. According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences were committed over a 12-month period between January and December 2025.
The EFCC alleged that Akujobi fraudulently siphoned funds belonging to Access Bank during the course of her employment, with the total amount involved put at ₦294.5 million.
Court remands suspect at Ikoyi Correctional Centre
One of the charges read before the court alleged that the defendant, while in the employment of Access Bank and acting with dishonest intent, unlawfully stole the bank's funds within the jurisdiction of the Lagos State High Court. The prosecution further alleged that the offences contravened relevant provisions of Lagos State criminal laws and are punishable under the state's legal framework.
When the five-count charge was read to her in open court, Akujobi pleaded not guilty to all the allegations. Following her plea, EFCC prosecuting counsel S.M. Yabo urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of the trial. The prosecution also requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of her bail application and the commencement of proceedings.
Trial set for October 2026
Justice Ijelu granted the prosecution's request and ordered that Akujobi be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The judge subsequently adjourned the case until October 8, 2026, when the court is expected to hear the defendant's bail application and begin trial.
The arraignment marks the latest in a series of prosecutions by the EFCC involving alleged financial crimes in Nigeria's banking sector. The commission has consistently maintained that it is intensifying efforts to investigate and prosecute cases involving fraud, theft, and other financial offences as part of its broader anti-corruption mandate.
Presumption of innocence upheld
However, the filing of criminal charges does not amount to a conviction. Under Nigerian law, every defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. Akujobi will therefore remain innocent in the eyes of the law unless the prosecution succeeds in proving the allegations against her beyond a reasonable doubt during the trial.
