Federal High Court Declares Keystone Bank Staff Wanted Over Alleged ₦35 Million Fraud

Federal High Court Declares Keystone Bank Staff Wanted Over Alleged ₦35 Million Fraud

Description: A Federal High Court in Lagos has declared Keystone Bank employee Ebele Okpala wanted over an alleged ₦35 million fraud, directing the DSS, Immigration, and Customs to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria.

Court Orders DSS, Immigration, Customs to Arrest Banker Upon Return to Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Lagos has declared a female employee of Keystone Bank, Mrs. Ebele Okpala, wanted over her alleged involvement in a ₦35 million fraud case.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu issued the order after granting an ex parte application filed by the Nigeria Police Force, directing security agencies to arrest the banker immediately upon her return to Nigeria.

Court Issues Nationwide Arrest Directive

According to the court's ruling, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have been mandated to assist in apprehending Mrs. Okpala, who is reportedly outside the country.

The ruling was delivered in respect of suit number FHC/L/530C/2024, following a motion filed by police counsel, M. Bello, on behalf of the Nigeria Police.

The application was brought under relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and supported by an affidavit sworn by Inspector Tope Akerele of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Ikoyi, Lagos.

Court Grants Police Request

After reviewing the application and supporting evidence, Justice Dipeolu ruled that the prosecution had established sufficient grounds for the request.

The court ordered that:

- Mrs. Ebele Okpala be officially declared wanted and placed on the wanted list of the Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit until she is apprehended.

- The DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Customs Service must assist in arresting her immediately she re-enters Nigeria.

- The Nigeria Police Special Fraud Unit is authorized to publish her name and wanted status in national newspapers and across social media platforms to aid her arrest.

Second Banker Also Named in the Case

The case also involves another banker, Perpetual Onyeto, who was listed as the second defendant in the criminal proceedings.

Both defendants were earlier arraigned before the Federal High Court in September 2024 after investigations conducted by the Police Special Fraud Unit.

Allegations Against the Bank Officials

According to the prosecution, the two bankers are facing several criminal charges, including:

- Criminal conspiracy

- Theft

- Money laundering

- Fraudulent removal of a lien placed on a customer's bank account

- Obtaining ₦35 million under false pretences

The prosecution alleges that the defendants collaborated to illegally access and divert funds belonging to a bank customer through unauthorized banking transactions.

Investigation Continues

With Mrs. Okpala reportedly outside Nigeria, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to secure her arrest and ensure she faces trial.

The case remains before the Federal High Court, where further proceedings are expected once the wanted banker is apprehended.

What This Means

The latest court order underscores the Nigerian judiciary's determination to combat financial crimes within the banking sector. By directing multiple security agencies to arrest the suspect upon arrival in Nigeria and authorizing nationwide publication of her wanted status, authorities are signaling a tougher stance against alleged banking fraud and financial misconduct.

As investigations continue, the outcome of the case could have significant implications for accountability and regulatory compliance in Nigeria's financial industry.

Keystone Bank staff wanted over ₦35 million fraud