Eko Bank Theft – Lagos Man hacks & steals over 200 Million

– A suspect in Lagos, identified as James Nwagalezi, has been arraigned in court for committing cyber theft
– As charged, Nwagalezi hacked into Eko Bank’s app, and stole N207 million, having conspired with Okoli Nmesoma, another suspect already facing trial
– His case, presided by Magistrate B. I. Bakare, has been adjourned to Wednesday, June 4

A 28-year-old suspect, identified as James Nwagalezi, was on Thursday, June 7, arraigned before a Lagos magistrate court for reportedly conspiring with Okoli Nmesoma, who was facing trial, in hacking into the app of Eko Bank Plc and stealing N207 million. The police has filed a four-count charge against Nwagalezi revolving around felony, unlawfully hacking into bank account and theft, Vanguard reports.

Eko Bank Theft

Inspector Jimoh Joseph, the police prosecutor, told the court that the defendant and others still at large carried out the crime on Friday, April 27 at Igboelerin, Okokomaiko, Ojo, Lagos.

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Joseph said: “The management of the bank at its headquarters in Lagos reported the fraud to the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Ikoyi Division, SP Tijani Mustapha, who directed a crack team led by Inspector Tope Ijatuyi to fish out the suspects.

“Nwagalezi was arrested after several months of manhunt. His arrest brings the number of suspects arrested and charged to court to six. The Police are still hunting for more suspects involved in the alleged fraud.” 

The prosecutor said that the offences are punishable under Sections 411, 387, 287 and 325 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Reacting to the charges against him, Nwagalezi pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate B. I. Bakare granted him N1 million bail, with two sureties in like sum, stressing that one of them must be a leader in a neighbouring community. Bakare adjourned the case till Wednesday, July 4, and ruled that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi prison, pending the perfection of his bail terms.

Meanwhile, it was reported that a group of Nigerian hackers described as Gold Galleon had been reported as being responsible for invading the cyberspace of shipping firms and stealing thousands of dollars from them. This was revealed by Secureworks, a network security firm whose focus was the maritime industry.

Courtesy: Naij

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