Customers of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) are expressing concern after revelations that a bank staff, Komolafe Oluwayomi, allegedly hacked into the bank’s system and stole nearly N10 million.
According to reports, GTBank filed a lawsuit against Oluwayomi, 45, accusing him of unauthorized access to the bank’s system and embezzling N9,989,000 for personal use.
The defendant was apprehended by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Bar Beach division, Victoria Island, Lagos, following a complaint by GTBank management.
After an investigation led by Inspector Patience Eguabor, Oluwayomi, a resident of Unity Close, Ojodu, Lagos, originally from Ondo State, was charged before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on counts of conspiracy and stealing.
Police counsel Ben Ekundayo informed the court that Oluwayomi allegedly committed the offence during working hours at GTBank’s branch on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Ekundayo explained that the defendant, entrusted with handling drivers’ retirement benefits, deceitfully included his friend’s name and account number in the payroll. He then transferred N9,989,000 into his friend’s account and later moved the funds into his personal GTB account, misappropriating the money.
GTB management discovered the fraud during an audit of the drivers’ retirement payroll accounts.
The offences allegedly committed by Oluwayomi are punishable under sections 411 and 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate M.A. Owunmi granted him bail of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till June 11, 2024, and Oluwayomi was remanded in Ikoyi correctional facility until bail conditions are met.