By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently looking into the hacking of the databases of commercial banks in Nigeria by four suspected hackers.
It was gathered that the accused persons, Chima Anthony Nwigwe, Effiong Victor Emmanuel, Mohammed Bello Mahmud, and Daminan Ali, conspired to access to banks’ computer systems to withdraw funds belonging to customers.
According to a statement issued by the anti-money laundering agency, the suspects were arrested after a string operation in Abuja.
The commission is looking into the matter to gather more pieces of evidence to nail them with at the court to ensure they are jailed if found guilty.
The EFCC said the hackers, led by Mr Nwigwe, after gaining unauthorised access to the bank’s databases, transferred funds through different digital platforms.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Chima Anthony Nwigwe, the suspected leader of banks’ hacking syndicate alongside three others: Effiong Victor Emmanuel, Mohammed Bello Mahmud, managing director, Downstone Ultimate Limited and Daminan Ali for alleged conspiracy, unauthorized access to banks’ computer systems and fraudulent withdrawal of depositors’ funds.
“They were arrested in a sting operation in Abuja following actionable intelligence about their suspected involvement in hacking, and compromising databases of commercial banks, thereby causing fraudulent transfers and withdrawals through different digital platforms.
“The suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement from the EFCC said.
Aduragbemi Omiyale 
Dipo Olowookere