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Wema Bank Workers, Others Arraigned over Alleged N8.9Bn Cybercrime

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The trial of three employees of Wema Bank Plc and four others accused of orchestrating N8.9 billion cyber heist has been stalled due to the Eid-el-Kabir public holiday.

Wema Bank Workers, Others Arraigned over Alleged N8.9Bn Cybercrime

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned the bank staff—Samuel Asiegbu, Fabian Onyeimachi, and Kingsley Kejim—alongside four alleged accomplices: Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Ubaku, and Sunday Osademe, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos on May 25, 2025.

The seven defendants face an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime, and obtaining money under false pretences. They were accused of hacking into Wema Bank’s computer systems in January 2025 and unlawfully transferring N8,568,090,500 to various accounts.

According  S.O. Larry Peters,  counsel, EFCC, the defendants acted in concert with two other suspects—Nurudeen Ibrahim and Alhaji Sulaiman—who are currently at large. The syndicate allegedly manipulated the bank’s data using sophisticated digital tools to cause financial loss and confer illegal economic gains on themselves.

Peters further revealed that two of the defendants—Hannah Okunlola and Sunday Osademe—provided personal bank accounts for the illicit proceeds. Investigators traced N199 million to Okunlola’s UBA account registered under Search Light Media Concept, and N2.25 million to Osademe’s Union Bank account.

The offences, according to the charge sheet, violate Sections 6(2), 8, 14(1), 14(5), and 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as well as Sections 17(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.

All seven defendants pleaded not guilty. Following their plea, the court remanded five of the accused in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services, while Kingsley Kejim continued on existing bail terms.

The court granted a special request by defence counsel to remand Hannah Okunlola in EFCC custody due to medical concerns.

Justice Aneke had adjourned the matter to June 6, 2025, for commencement of trial. However, due to the nationwide Sallah holiday declared by the federal government, the proceedings could not go ahead as scheduled.

A charge reads: “That you, Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu, Ejim Kingsley Kelechi, and others now at large, in January 2025, conspired to alter Wema Bank data to cause the loss of N8.568 billion in order to benefit economically, thereby committing an offence under Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.”

The case has drawn significant attention as one of the most audacious cybercrime cases involving bank insiders in Nigeria’s recent history.


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Ebere Melum-Nwogbo is a trained and practicing journalist. She is passionate about ICT and business journalism. She has over a decade experience spanning money and capital market as well as information technology

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Myitura Launches Women-Focused Healthcare Financing Solutions to Bridge Access Gap

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In commemoration of Women’s Month, health-tech platform Myitura has released a new white paper addressing the critical gaps in healthcare financing for women in Nigeria.

Titled “Closing the Gap: Healthcare Financing for Women in Nigeria,” the report highlights how high out-of-pocket costs, limited insurance coverage, and socio-economic factors continue to prevent women from accessing timely healthcare.

According to the report, over 70% of healthcare expenses in Nigeria are paid out-of-pocket, disproportionately affecting women who often delay care due to financial and social constraints.

“When women can afford to take care of their health early, we don’t just save lives; we strengthen families, communities, and the economy,” said Chialuka Kelechi, MyItura’s Chief of Staff.

Key Insights from the White Paper:

  • Preventable conditions often escalate due to delayed care
  • Women are more likely to deprioritize their own health
  • Affordable, structured healthcare financing can significantly improve outcomes

Introducing a Women’s Health Initiative

As part of its commitment, Myitura is launching affordable women-focused health packages (powered by Mediloan), starting at ₦58,180, designed to encourage preventive care and early detection.

The package provides access to:

  • Fasting/Random Blood Sugar
  • Urinalysis
  • Electrolytes
  • Urea
  • Creatinine
  • Pap Smear Submitted slides
  • HIV I & II Rapid (Qualitative)
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Screening (Rapid)
  • Hepatitis C Virus Screening (Rapid)
  • Abdominopelvic Ultrasound
  • Ongoing support via the Myitura platform

Access:

Women can access these packages by downloading the Myitura app, which makes healthcare more accessible and convenient.

Myitura is a health-tech platform focused on improving access to healthcare through financing, technology, and preventive care solutions.

 


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DBI Unveils Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Report Highlights Strategic Trends, Risks

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DigitalSENSE Business Intelligence (DBI), powered by ITREALMS Media, has launched the Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Intelligence Report (Executive Edition), delivering vital insights for navigating Nigeria’s fast-paced digital landscape.

DBI Unveils Nigeria Digital Economy Outlook 2026: Q1 Report Highlights Strategic Trends, Risks

This executive summary spotlights trends, risks, and opportunities in telecommunications, fintech, digital infrastructure, policy shifts, and investment flows. It underscores digital transformation’s pivotal role in boosting economic growth, financial inclusion, and nationwide innovation.

DBI Publisher, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, emphasized its value for leaders: “This Executive Edition offers a sharp, strategic view of Nigeria’s digital economy during a pivotal moment. As the sector surges ahead, reliable intelligence is key to seizing opportunities and tackling risks.”

Key highlights include:

  • Broadband infrastructure expansion.

  • Surge in digital payments adoption.

  • Evolving regulations.

  • Investor pivot to sustainable, profitable ventures.

The report urges action on digital financial inclusion, infrastructure funding, skills training, and public sector digitization.

Freely accessible, the Executive Edition complements the premium Full Edition with in-depth analysis for executives and institutions. Stakeholders can request full access or briefings.

Media & Access Contacts:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.itrealms.com.ng


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NASENI Renewable Energy Industrial Park Underway as Construction Gains Momentum

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The on-going construction works at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State is gathering momentum as the project is envisioned to address the country’s energy needs.

NASENI Renewable Energy Industrial Park Underway as Construction Gains Momentum

NASENI’s Renewable Energy Industrial Park, Gora, Nasarawa State

The project occupying a 40-hectare park designed as a multi-energy hub will help curb capital flight and save foreign exchange expenditure by enabling local production of key renewable energy components such as solar panels, mounting racks, wind systems and biomass technologies.

Speaking during an inspection visit on the project site on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Special Adviser to the Executive Vice Chairman on Renewable Energy, Engr. Suyud Abdullahi Muhammad, who also serves as the Gora Project Manager, disclosed that the initiative is designed to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported renewable energy equipment.

“There will be a wind assembly plant, small hydro power equipment production, and solar panel manufacturing; Renewable energy goes beyond just solar, and this park reflects that broader vision,” he said.

Abdullahi noted that the project aligns with NASENI’s goal of reducing energy poverty in Nigeria, where over 80 million citizens remain off-grid, while many connected to the national grid continue to experience inadequate power supply.

The Special Adviser also emphasised on the project’s industrialisation potential, highlighting its role in job creation and value chain development. The park is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs, with an additional 50,000 indirect employment opportunities across supporting industries when completed.

“This initiative will localise the renewable energy value chain. Instead of relying on imports, Nigeria will begin to produce and eventually export these technologies, starting with the West African market and scaling up to the rest of the continent,” he added.

On sustainability and long-term viability, he revealed that the project is being executed in collaboration with private sector players, academia and other stakeholders, in line with NASENI’s “3Cs” principle of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.

The ongoing construction is being handled by about 35 contracting firms, each handling specific components at varying levels of execution such as Multipurpose Halls for industrial productions, Research and Development (R&D) Centre, Knowledge Park, Energy Centre, Workshops, Researchers Lodge, Studio Apartments, Clinic, Restaurant, Wellness Centre, Solar Farm, Drivers Lounge, Gate House, Internal roads and drainage system and Fencing.

The Gora Renewable Energy Industrial Energy Park is considered a key component of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at strengthening local manufacturing, enhancing energy security and positioning Nigeria as a renewable energy hub in Africa.


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