The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former employee of Access Bank Plc, Chinonso Akujobi, before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged theft of N294.5 million belonging to the financial institution.
Akujobi was arraigned on Thursday by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the anti-graft agency before Justice I.O. Ijelu on a five-count charge bordering on stealing and unlawful conversion of funds.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly diverted bank funds through unauthorized transactions carried out while serving as a staff member of the bank.
The prosecution alleged that between January and December 2025, Akujobi fraudulently transferred funds from the bank’s general ledger into personal accounts under her control.
One of the counts alleged that the defendant, while in the employment of Access Bank, dishonestly converted N109.3 million to personal use through unauthorized payments made into Access Bank accounts bearing the names Chinonso A., Uchechi A. and Florence A.
The prosecution said the alleged act contravenes provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.When the charges were read in court, Akujobi pleaded not guilty to all counts.Following the plea, prosecuting counsel S.M. Yabo requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
Justice Ijelu subsequently adjourned proceedings until October 8, 2026 for the hearing of the defendant’s bail application and commencement of trial.
The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre pending further proceedings.
The EFCC has intensified its prosecution of financial crimes involving banking and corporate institutions as part of ongoing efforts to curb fraud and strengthen accountability within Nigeria’s financial sector.
