FCMB Cybercrime Case: Court Fixes September 9 for Further Hearing

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned further proceedings in the case involving FCMB Service Administrator Gideon Bakpa Aghogho and former bank employee Oscar Ebere Chukwuebuka, who are facing charges over an alleged $25,000 cybercrime operation.

Justice Friday Ogazi fixed September 9, 2026, for the next hearing after lawyers told the court that discussions on a possible plea bargain had not been concluded.

The two men were earlier arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime and fraud.

The EFCC alleged that Aghogho, Chukwuebuka and a third person identified as Scott, who is still at large, unlawfully obtained access to FCMB’s computer systems between July 24 and 26, 2026.

According to the prosecution, Aghogho allegedly provided his administrative access credentials, which were then used to gain entry into the bank’s Virtual Centre Platform and other server systems.

The EFCC said the alleged operation resulted in the removal of $25,000 from the bank’s system. It further alleged that Aghogho received $2,000, while Chukwuebuka allegedly received $400 after the operation.

The charges also contain separate allegations relating to the alleged disclosure of FCMB’s server and database credentials in April and May 2025, allegedly for financial benefits of $15,000 and $10,000 respectively.

During their earlier arraignment, Aghogho pleaded not guilty, while Chukwuebuka pleaded guilty to the charges against him.

Their lawyers, N. Egah and Livingstone Madu, subsequently indicated that the defendants were exploring a plea bargain with the prosecution.

At the latest hearing, however, the lawyers told the court that they had yet to receive a final response from the EFCC regarding the proposed agreement.

The prosecution asked the court to proceed with the matter involving Chukwuebuka, who had admitted the allegations, but the defence requested more time for the plea bargain discussions to be completed. Justice Ogazi consequently adjourned the case until September 9.

Both defendants remain in custody pending further proceedings.

The case has drawn attention because the allegations involve the alleged misuse of internal access credentials by a serving bank employee, rather than an external attack alone.

The court is yet to make a final determination on the allegations against either defendant. The September 9 hearing is expected to provide further direction on the plea bargain discussions and the next stage of the case.

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