Ex-Banker Arraigned Over Alleged N294.5 Million Theft in Lagos

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

LAGOS – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former employee of Access Bank Plc, Chinonso Akujobi, before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over the alleged theft of ₦294,595,992.

Akujobi was brought before Justice I.O. Ijelu on Thursday, 9 July 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the anti-graft agency on a five-count charge bordering on alleged stealing.

According to the EFCC, the defendant is accused of fraudulently diverting funds belonging to the bank while in its employment. The commission alleged that the offences were committed between January and December 2025.

One of the charges states that Akujobi, while employed by Access Bank Plc, allegedly made unauthorised transfers from the bank’s general ledger into personal accounts bearing the names Chinonso A., Uchechi A., and Florence A. The EFCC claimed that the transactions amounted to ₦109,325,566.86, forming part of the total sum allegedly stolen.

The prosecution said the alleged acts contravene Section 280 and are punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

When the charges were read in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all five counts.

Following the plea, prosecution counsel S.M. Yabo urged the court to fix a date for trial and requested that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.

Justice Ijelu subsequently adjourned the matter until 8 October 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 pending the determination of the bail application.