The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Access Bank employee, Chinonso Akujobi, over the alleged theft of ₦294.5 million from the financial institution.
Akujobi was brought before Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in Ikeja, on Thursday, where she faced a five-count charge bordering on alleged stealing and unlawful conversion of the bank’s funds.
EFCC Alleges Unauthorized Transfers
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly diverted ₦294,595,992 through a series of unauthorised transactions carried out while she was employed by Access Bank between January and December 2025.
The EFCC alleged that part of the funds—amounting to ₦109.3 million—was fraudulently transferred from the bank’s general ledger into accounts reportedly linked to the defendant.
Prosecutors told the court that the transfers were made without authorisation and that the money was converted for personal use, an act said to contravene the provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
When the charges were read in court, Akujobi pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following her plea, EFCC prosecuting counsel, S. M. Yabo, requested the court to fix a date for trial and order that the defendant be remanded pending the hearing of her bail application.
Justice Ijelu subsequently adjourned the matter until October 8, 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 until further proceedings.
EFCC Intensifies Crackdown on Financial Crimes
The arraignment is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes and strengthen accountability within Nigeria’s banking sector.
If found guilty, the former bank employee could face penalties under the Criminal Law of Lagos State relating to theft and fraudulent conversion of funds.
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