Nigeria Police Charge Two Suspects Over Fake 'Moniepoint Scandal' Cyberstalking Scheme
The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive legal action against two individuals accused of orchestrating a coordinated online campaign targeting Moniepoint Microfinance Bank. The suspects, identified as Adebayo Aliu and Fatuntele Lukmon Tunde, were charged before the Federal High Court in Abuja on multiple counts, including cyberstalking, impersonation, and online harassment.
Alleged Creation of Fraudulent Platform for False Claims
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly designed a digital platform that encouraged users to spread fabricated claims about the bank in exchange for financial incentives. The charge specifies that the suspects promised a sum of ₦500,000 to individuals who would post comments using the phrase "Moniepoint Scandal" and share imaginary scandalous experiences regarding the institution.
Authorities stated that the primary objective of this scheme was to generate widespread online engagement capable of damaging the bank's reputation and inciting public unrest. This case highlights the growing misuse of social media to manipulate public opinion through monetized misinformation.
Impersonation of Social Media Influencer to Boost Credibility
Investigators further alleged that the suspects impersonated a popular content creator known as Brain Jotter as part of their scheme. This impersonation was intended to lend credibility to the fraudulent platform and attract more engagement from the public.
The police emphasized that such actions were designed to mislead individuals and interfere with the course of justice, underscoring the serious nature of the offences under Nigerian cybercrime laws.
Court Adjournment Due to Absence of Defendants
The arraignment, scheduled before Justice Ofili Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Abuja, could not proceed as planned. Both accused persons were absent from court and had no legal representation present.
As a result, the court adjourned the proceedings to April 27 for further hearing. This delay highlights the challenges in prosecuting digital crimes, where suspects may evade initial court appearances.
Legal Framework and Broader Implications
The prosecution noted that the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024. This case is expected to serve as a significant test of how Nigerian law addresses complex issues such as coordinated digital harassment, monetized misinformation, and online impersonation.
This development reflects broader efforts by authorities to curb cyber-related offences and protect both individuals and institutions from reputational harm in the increasingly digital landscape. It underscores the urgent need for robust legal measures to combat the spread of false narratives online.
