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Naija News • 3h ago

Two men charged with cyber-stalking Moniepoint bank, to be arraigned April 27

Two men charged with cyber-stalking Moniepoint bank, to be arraigned April 27
**Two Men Face Charges for Alleged Cyber-Stalking of Moniepoint Bank** The Nigeria Police Force has filed a seven-count charge against two individuals, Adebayo Aliu and Fatuntele Lukmon Tunde, before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The accused men are alleged to have engaged in cyber-stalking activities against Moniepoint Microfinance Bank. The charge, which was filed under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (as amended in 2024), accuses Aliu and Tunde of creating a digital platform that promised individuals ₦500,000 for posting comments containing the phrase "Moniepoint Scandal" alongside fabricated experiences about the bank. The prosecution claims that the platform was designed to stimulate widespread online agitation and reputational harm. According to the police, the accused men also impersonated a popular social media influencer, Brian Jotter, during the alleged scheme. The charge is seen as a major test case in the application of Nigeria's cybercrime legislation in cases involving monetized social media manipulation, coordinated digital harassment, and online impersonation. In a recent court development, the defendants failed to appear before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogibia, leading to a rescheduling of their arraignment to April 27. The absence of the defendants and their lawyers is a sign that this case may be the beginning of a long and complex legal battle. The alleged cyber-stalking of Moniepoint Bank is a disturbing trend that highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrime in Nigeria. As the country continues to grow its digital economy, the need for robust cybercrime laws and effective enforcement mechanisms has become more pressing. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by stakeholders in the financial services sector and the general public as it sets a precedent for the application of cybercrime laws in Nigeria. In Nigeria, where social media has become a powerful tool for mobilizing public opinion, the alleged actions of Aliu and Tunde are a reminder of the potential for cybercrime to disrupt the economy and damage reputations. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of cybercrime, this case serves as a wake-up call for individuals, businesses, and governments to take proactive steps to prevent and combat online threats.
Source: Original Article • AI-enhanced version for clarity & Nigerian context

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