₦6M ATM Fraud: Chukwuebuka Okoli, 25, Arraigned In Lagos Over Alleged Theft, Attempted Drugging & Conspiracy

According to the charge sheet with file number 11/3/55/76, the alleged incident occurred at Ajayi Road, Ogba, within the Ikeja Magisterial District. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police against the defendant.

The first count accused Okoli of dishonestly and fraudulently gaining access to the Fidelity Bank ATM card and bank account details belonging to one Miss Francis Grace of Ajayi Road, Ogba.

Prosecutors alleged that between December 2025 and April 2026, the defendant unlawfully withdrew Six Million Naira from the victim’s account through Bet9ja and other banking channels.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 280 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2015.

In the second count, the defendant was alleged to have attempted to commit a felony in February 2026 at Ogba. Prosecutors claim he intended to procure and administer a substance suspected to be a drug to Miss Francis Grace.

The alleged purpose was to dispossess her of her mobile phone and other valuables in order to conceal the earlier theft. This offence was listed as contrary to and punishable under Sections 405 and 406 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2015.

The third count alleged that Okoli and two other persons now at large conspired together in February 2026 to commit a felony.

The prosecution says the plan was to drug Miss Francis Grace and steal her iPhone and other valuables to cover up the theft of her money. This is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria 2015.

The charge sheet was processed at Area G, Ogba, Lagos, with W/Insp Balogun Adenike listed as the Police officer in charge. The matter was filed through the District Prosecutors Office, Ogba.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ihkayere, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.

Legal experts note that offences relating to stealing, attempt to commit felony and conspiracy carry significant penalties under Lagos State law. The inclusion of digital fraud channels like betting platforms has also drawn attention to evolving methods of financial crime.

Miss Francis Grace’s complaint highlights growing concerns around ATM card fraud and the need for bank customers to safeguard personal financial details.

Police say investigations are ongoing to apprehend the two other suspects said to be at large in connection with the alleged conspiracy.

The court is expected to continue proceedings on the matter. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.