Access Bank staff Akintayo charged with N42 million fraud, remanded in custody

A 29-year-old employee of Access Bank, Ajibade Idris Akintayo, has been arrested by the police at Adeniji Adele Division, Lagos, and charged in court for allegedly defrauding his employer of N42 million.

The suspect, who worked at the bank’s headquarters, is accused of unlawfully withdrawing the sum from the bank’s account and converting it for personal use.

The alleged fraud was uncovered by the bank’s internal forensic audit team during a routine account review.

Upon discovery, the matter was reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Adeniji Adele Division, who immediately ordered the arrest of the suspect.

Investigations revealed that Akintayo, who was responsible for handling failed transaction reversals at the bank, had transferred the funds to multiple accounts linked to him.

He resides on Alhaji Ganiyu Street, AIT Road, Alagbado, Lagos.

The accused was brought before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a four-count charge, including fraudulent withdrawal and theft.

Police counsel, Ben Ekundayo, stated that the crime took place between March 2023 and July 30, 2024, at Access Bank’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Ekundayo explained that Akintayo unlawfully transferred the N42 million to various personal accounts and withdrew the money for his own use.

The alleged fraud was uncovered during the bank’s audit, leading to his arrest.

The charges against Akintayo are punishable under sections 411, 325, and 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, and Chief Magistrate M.A. Owunmi granted him bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like amount.

The case was adjourned for further mention, and Akintayo was remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Facility until he fulfills the bail conditions.