THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Head of Operations at Access Bank Plc, Enugu branch, Obinna Nwaobi, over the alleged criminal diversion of $510,000 belonging to a bank customer.
The EFCC’s Enugu Zonal Directorate confirmed the development in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. Nwaobi was brought before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court, Independence Layout, Enugu, on a nine-count charge bordering on forgery and fraudulent diversion of funds.
One of the counts reads:
“That you, Obinna Nwaobi… induced Access Bank Nigeria Plc to transfer a total sum of Five Hundred and Ten Thousand United States Dollars ($510,000) from Lantern Gate Nigeria Limited’s account under the false pretence that the company gave consent…” The EFCC alleges he committed the offence knowing the claim was false.
Another count accuses him of forging a fund transfer document. It states: “That you… knowingly forged an Access Bank Domestic Fund Transfer Form ‘D’, dated 28th August 2024, with intent that it be acted upon as genuine…”
When the charges were read, Nwaobi pleaded “not guilty.” Defence counsel, F. C. Obinna, informed the court of a pending bail application supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit. “We urge the court to admit the defendant to bail,” he submitted. Prosecuting counsel, ACE II Mainforce Adaka Ekwu, strongly objected, citing an 11-paragraph counter affidavit filed on November 12. “The quality of evidence we have might put fear in him, and he might want to abscond,” the EFCC lawyer warned.
After hearing both sides, Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo granted bail in the sum of N250 million with three sureties in like sum. Two sureties must own landed property in Enugu, with documents submitted to the court.
The judge added:
“The third surety shall be a relative of the defendant and must provide evidence of tax payment for three years. The defendant and his sureties shall deposit two passport photographs each. The defendant shall also surrender his international passport and NIN until the conclusion of this case.”
Nwaobi was remanded at the Enugu Custodial Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The case dates back to September 11, 2024, when Access Bank petitioned the EFCC, alleging unauthorised transfers totalling $510,000 from the account of Lantern Gate Nigeria Limited into six different accounts, allegedly on Nwaobi’s instruction without customer approval.
The matter was adjourned to March 10, 11, and 12, 2026, for trial.
