The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday arraigned a hacker, Chris Ihebuzor, before at an Ikeja Special Offenses Court for alleged stealing, cyber stalking and extorting money from Access Bank Plc.
Ihebuzor was arraigned on a six-count charge of stealing, unauthorized access and modification of computer materials before Justice O. O. Afadipe.
EFCC prosecutor, Franklin Ofoma, said the defendant committed the offence in August, in Lagos.
According to him, Ihebuzor, with intent to defraud, had in his possession Access Bank Public Liability Company’s document, containing phone numbers, bank accounts and Biometric Verification Numbers (BVN) of Access bank customers.
He added that the defendant, with intent to extort money from Access Bank Plc, knowingly sent a mail to the management, demanding money.
Ihebuzor pleaded not guilty following which Ofoma urged the court to remand him in a Correctional Centre.
He also asked the court to fix a date for start of trial.
Defence lawyer, G.U. Okachi, however pleaded with the court to grant the defendant bail on the most liberal terms.
The prosecutor did not oppose the bail application, and said the commission is aware of the defendant’s intentions to enter into a plea bargain.
Justice Afadipe granted the defendant a bail of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must be a relation.
Justice Afadipe adjourned till January 27, 2021, for trial.
