Two women arrested over fake Access Bank closure message

By Deborah Akpede

Two women have been arrested in Uyo over false social media publication indicating that Access Bank Plc was about to shut down operations, while also advising customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.

The two women were arrested by operatives of Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, following a petition by Access Bank through its solicitors.

This was revealed that Asst. Inspector-General of Police (AIG), FCID, Mr Simeon Akpanudom, while briefing journalists at the FCID premises on Friday.

Akpanudom said the suspects were apprehended on charges bordering on conspiracy, false publication, fabrication and digital dissemination of malicious falsehood, economic sabotage, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

He said the petition, dated July 30 concerned a publication dated July 28, which was posted on Facebook by one of the suspects and purportedly presented as a communication from Access Bank.

According to him, the publication claims that the bank will shut down operations effective Sept. 23, advising its customers to close their accounts and withdraw their funds.

He said the publication was subsequently circulated on other social media platforms within a day.

“Access Bank believed that the malicious publication could cause the collapse of the bank, economic crisis and national embarrassment, hence the petition,” Akpanudom said.

The AIG said detectives immediately began investigation into the matter and, through discreet investigation, traced and apprehended the two suspects in Uyo.

He said investigation revealed that both suspects belonged to a WhatsApp group known as “Queendom”.

He said one of the suspects allegedly posted the message on the WhatsApp group on July 28 at about 9.04 a.m., while the other suspect allegedly copied and posted it on her Facebook account.

Akpanudom said the Facebook account had more than 12,000 followers, thereby enabling the publication to reach a wider audience.

The AIG said the suspects admitted during investigation to their involvement in circulating the publication.

He said the police would continue to investigate cases involving the deliberate spread of false information capable of undermining public confidence and causing economic or social disruption.

Akpanudom urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it on social media, particularly messages relating to financial institutions and other critical sectors.

He also advised Nigerians to report suspicious publications and activities to the appropriate security authorities rather than amplifying them online.

(NAN)