The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a suspected hacker, Michael Anan Onimisi, before the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna for developing a software code-named “Bee-Leaf” and “Real-Eve” to defraud First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, the sum of N17,785,010.75

Onimisi, who was accused of developing the software to hack into the security measures of the bank in order to defraud it, was arraigned on six-count charges bordering on internet fraud and money laundering.

He was arraigned by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC before Justice R.M Aikawa on October 13, 2023.

One of the counts read: “That you, Michael Anan Onimisi, sometime in June 2023, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly retain the total sum of N17, 785,010.75 (Seventeen Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Five Thousand, Ten Naira and Seventy Five Kobo only), from First City Monument Bank Plc, which funds you knew forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d)of the Money Laundering (Prohibition)Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

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The suspect pleaded “not guilty” to the six-count charges when they were read to him.

Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, N. Salele, asked for a trial date and further prayed the court to remand the suspected hacker at a correctional centre before the commencement of trial.

The defence counsel, Rabiu Mohammed, informed the court of an application for bail before the court.

Salele objected, pleading for more time to study and respond to it

After listening to the arguments of both counsels, Justice Aikawa thereafter adjourned the matter till October 19, 2023, for hearing on the bail application and December 6, 2023, for commencement of trial.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kaduna.

The Star