A combined photo of Obinna Nwaobi and Access Bank logo
By Toyin Williams
A former Head of Operations at Access Bank Nigeria Plc, Obinna Nwaobi, was on Thursday November 13, 2025, dragged before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Enugu by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly forging and diverting the sum of $510,000 belonging to a customer of the bank.
Nwaobi was arraigned on a nine-count charge
One of the charges (Count Seven) alleged that, on August 8, 2024, Nwaobi induced Access Bank to transfer $510,000 from the account of Lantern Gate Nigeria Limited under the false pretense that the customer authorized the transaction—an act contrary to Section 1(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Another charge (Count Eight) accused him of knowingly forging an Access Bank Domestic Fund Transfer Form “D”, dated August 28, 2024, with intent to deceive—an offence under the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 2004.
Nwaobi pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His defence counsel, F. C. Obinna, informed the court of a pending bail application supported by an eight-paragraph affidavit. The EFCC counsel, ACE II Mainforce Adaka Ekwu, opposed the application, arguing that the strength of the evidence might cause the defendant to abscond.
After considering arguments from both sides, the court granted Nwaobi bail in the sum of ₦250 million, with three sureties in like sum. Two sureties must own landed property in Enugu State, while the third must be a relative who can present evidence of three years of tax payments. The defendant is also required to submit his international passport, National Identification Number, and two passport-sized photographs to the court.
The case was adjourned to March 10, 11, and 12, 2026 for trial, while Nwaobi was remanded at the Enugu Custodial Centre pending the fulfillment of bail conditions.
The matter originated after Access Bank filed a petition on September 11, 2024, reporting unauthorized transfers from a customer’s account. According to the bank, the funds were moved to six different accounts without the approval of Lantern Gate Nigeria Limited, prompting the EFCC to launch an investigation.
