IGP Takes Two to Court Over Impersonation and Cybercrime Charges
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has initiated legal proceedings against two individuals for impersonation and related cybercrimes. Adebayo Aliu, residing at No. 6, St. Peter Church Street, Egbeda, Lagos, and Fatuntele Lukmon Tunde, of No. 14, Adeleke Close, Harmony Estate, Ogba, Lagos, have been charged at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Details of the Alleged Offence
The defendants are accused of creating a fraudulent online platform designed to solicit engagement by promising a sum of N500,000 to unsuspecting victims. To qualify, victims were required to comment with the phrase 'Moniepoint Scandal' and share any imaginary scandalous experience regarding Moniepoint MFB. This scheme was allegedly intended to cause a breakdown of law and order, exploiting social media to spread misinformation.
The offence is contrary to Section 27(2)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015, as amended in 2024, and is punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the same Act. The charges stem from months of impersonating Nigerian content creator Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, known professionally as Brain Jotter, to disseminate fake news against the Moniepoint brand.
Investigation and Social Media Impact
After the matter was reported to the Nigeria Police Force, an investigation revealed that the social media handle @brainjotter_, with 1.4 million followers, was not operated by Amuzie. Tweets from the fraudulent account included messages such as, "Once you see this, just reply cos I want to start crediting again. If I credit you 500k, is it enough till month end? Reply by using the words 'Moniepoint Scandal'" and "N500,000 today. I'm still crediting Add 'Moniepoint Scandal' to your reply."
Moniepoint, a financial institution, stated that this was a deliberate attempt to create panic and undermine public confidence. The company emphasized that the arrest was not for criticism but for a coordinated digital harm campaign currently under investigation by law enforcement authorities.
Moniepoint's Response and Broader Implications
According to Moniepoint, patterns of social media engagement emerged that were capable of triggering public panic and eroding trust in the financial system. The company respects Nigerians' right to express opinions and hold institutions accountable, noting that customer feedback is central to its improvements. However, recent activities extended beyond routine criticism, involving coordinated inducement, fabricated narratives, impersonation, and reputational harm.
As a platform supporting millions of individuals and businesses and employing thousands across Nigeria, Moniepoint stressed that protecting public trust is critical not only to its operations but to the stability of the broader financial ecosystem. In response, the company formally reported the matter to law enforcement authorities, in line with its responsibilities as a regulated financial institution.
Legal Proceedings and Public Statements
The case is now being handled independently by appropriate agencies, with prosecution led by the police. Moniepoint clarified that the issues before the court involve allegations that will be examined through due judicial process. Speaking with The Guardian in Ogba, Bemigho Awala, Public and Media Relations Manager at Moniepoint Inc., highlighted the broader significance of the case.
Awala emphasized that this incident underscores emerging risks within the digital ecosystem and the need for clear boundaries between legitimate expression and organized digital conduct that may be harmful. While criticism is essential for a healthy ecosystem, it must not be distorted through falsehoods, inducement, or coordinated actions that erode public confidence.
