The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two individuals, Abdullahi Abdulrahman and Abdulmalik Abdulrahman, before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly selling bank customers' access codes for N15,000 each. The defendants were charged with criminal conspiracy and unauthorized access to computer systems, offenses under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Details of the Alleged Offenses
According to the EFCC, the two suspects were arrested following a tip-off about their involvement in the illegal sale of bank access codes. The access codes, which grant unauthorized entry into customers' bank accounts, were reportedly sold for N15,000 per code. The EFCC prosecutor, M. K. Baba, told the court that the defendants conspired to commit the crime between January and August 2026 in Abuja. The charges specifically cite a violation of Section 14(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits unauthorized access to computer systems, and Section 18 of the same act, which deals with conspiracy.
Baba further stated that the defendants had access to the bank's internal systems and used that access to extract customer data, including login credentials and one-time passwords (OTPs). The EFCC investigation revealed that the suspects targeted customers of a major Nigerian bank, though the bank's name was not disclosed in court. The proceeds from the sale of the codes were allegedly shared between the two defendants.
Court Proceedings and Arraignment
The defendants were arraigned on August 20, 2026, before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja. They pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge. Following their plea, the EFCC prosecutor requested that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody pending the determination of their bail application. Justice Ekwo granted the prosecutor's request and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the EFCC detention facility.
The court then adjourned the case to September 15, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application. The EFCC is expected to present evidence, including electronic records and witness testimony, during the trial. The commission has warned that it will continue to crack down on cybercrime activities that undermine the integrity of the banking sector.
Impact on Banking Security
The case highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity in Nigeria's banking sector. According to the EFCC, the sale of access codes poses a significant threat to customer funds and data privacy. The commission has urged banks to strengthen their internal security measures to prevent unauthorized access to customer information. The EFCC also advised customers to regularly change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect their accounts.
This is not the first time the EFCC has prosecuted individuals for cybercrime-related offenses. In 2025, the commission secured convictions in several cases involving phishing, identity theft, and unauthorized access to bank systems. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Cybercrimes Act and ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
