The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a 32-year-old man, Ogunwobi Philip Ayodeji, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged cyberattack on MoMo Payment Service Bank Limited, a subsidiary of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, involving the alleged diversion of about ₦340 million.
Ayodeji appeared before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful access to financial infrastructure, cybercrime and money laundering.
The prosecution alleged that the defendant compromised the bank’s systems between May and August 2026, gaining unauthorised access to critical financial infrastructure.
Prosecutor Michael Bajela, assisted by J.A. Babalola, told the court that Ayodeji allegedly conspired with an Indian national, Abhicheck Modane, who is currently at large, to gain unlawful access to the bank’s systems.
According to the prosecution, the duo allegedly diverted funds into unauthorised digital wallets and other accounts, disrupting the bank’s operations in the process.
Ayodeji was also accused of transferring and concealing funds allegedly linked to the cyberattack, as well as knowingly collecting and retaining proceeds of the alleged crime.
The prosecution said the alleged offences violated provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
Following his plea, Bajela urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant pending the determination of the case.
However, defence counsel told the court that a bail application had been filed and served on the prosecution.
Bajela confirmed receiving the application but urged the court to impose conditions that would ensure the defendant’s attendance throughout the trial.
In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa granted Ayodeji bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with one surety required to provide landed property valued at the same amount.
The judge directed that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. He also ordered Ayodeji to deposit his international passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar.
The defendant was ordered to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until he meets the bail conditions.
The court adjourned the case until November 27, 2026, for trial.
