Ecobank Hands Over Mobile App Hacker to Police

By Dipo Olowookere

A man who hacks into mobile apps, Mr James Nwagalezi, has been reported to the police by the management of Ecobank Nigeria.

The suspected fraudster was alleged to have connived with one Okoli Nmesoma, already facing trial, to hack into the mobile app of the bank and unlawfully withdrew N207 million.

He was apprehended by security operatives in Lagos and arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court by the police.

The 28-year-old accused person was arrested after several months of manhunt. His arrest brings the number of suspects arrested and charged to court to six. However, the police are still hunting for more suspects involved in the alleged fraud.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Jimoh Joseph, who brought the suspect to court, disclosed that the defendant and others still at large committed the offence on April 27 at Igboelerin, Okokomaiko, Ojo, Lagos.

Mr Nwagalezi is facing a four-count charge bordering on felony to wit unlawfully hacking into bank account and stealing, preferred against him by the police.

Ecobank, after being aware of the crime, had quickly alerted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ikoyi, Lagos, SP Tijani Mustapha, who deployed his investigative team to unravel the perpetrators.

The police informed the court that the crime allegedly committed by the hacker was punishable under Sections 411, 387, 287 and 325 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Though Mr Nwagalezi pleaded not guilty to the charge against him, Magistrate B. I. Bakare granted him N1 million bail with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a community leader.

Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned till July 4, while the suspect was ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi Prison, pending when he is able to perfect his bail conditions.