Police nab two Lagos women over false publication purporting bank shutting down

The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of Lagos has arrested two women for allegedly spreading a false message claiming that Access Bank Plc would cease operations. Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), FCID, Mr. Simeon Akpanudom, announced the arrests during a press briefing. The suspects were taken into custody on charges of conspiracy, false publication, fabrication, digital dissemination of malicious falsehood, economic sabotage, and conduct likely to cause public unrest.

The police made the arrests in Uyo, Akwa Ibom after receiving a complaint from Access Bank through its legal counsel. The complaint was filed on July 30, regarding a Facebook post dated July 28, which purportedly represented a message from Access Bank. The post stated that the bank would shut down effective September 23, urging customers to close their accounts and withdraw funds.

The false message was quickly shared on other social media platforms within a day, causing potential economic crisis and national embarrassment. Access Bank feared the malicious publication would lead to the bank's collapse. The FCID's investigation traced the two suspects through a WhatsApp group named "Queendom" they both belonged to.

One suspect allegedly posted the message on the WhatsApp group on July 28 at around 9:04 a.m., while the other copied and posted it on her Facebook account that had over 12,000 followers. The suspects admitted to their involvement during the investigation.