Access Bank has confirmed that a former staff member, Stephen Ejezie, was arrested after he was caught secretly recording female colleagues in the restroom of its contact centre in Lagos. The disturbing incident occurred at about 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, during a night shift when many staff were sleeping or changing within the facility.
Ejezie, who was employed as a Quality Assurance Specialist in October 2023 after joining the bank earlier in February, reportedly installed a hidden phone camera inside the female restroom. The camera was discovered when a female employee noticed a phone pointing at her from beneath a toilet stall. Her alarm triggered immediate action from coworkers, who forced the door open and caught Ejezie in the act.
A search conducted by law enforcement revealed over 400 video files stored on Ejezie’s personal devices, many of which contained footage of unsuspecting female colleagues. Investigations suggest that some of these videos were uploaded and monetized through subscription-based platforms including Telegram and OnlyFans, raising serious concerns about data protection, digital trafficking, and staff safety.
Access Bank responded publicly on Sunday, April 27, stating it has handed the matter over to the appropriate security authorities and is fully cooperating with investigations. “We uphold a zero-tolerance policy toward harassment and privacy violations,” the bank declared, adding that it is providing direct support to affected employees while reinforcing internal security measures at its facilities.
Workers at the contact centre, who frequently work extended overnight shifts due to high customer demand, say the event has left them traumatized and vulnerable. One staff member, who requested anonymity, said, “It’s not just the act — it’s the thought that someone has watched and possibly sold your most private moments. There has to be justice.”
Legal experts have pointed out that the case could trigger regulatory fines under the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023, which mandates organizations to safeguard personal and sensitive data or face penalties of up to ₦10 million per breach. Authorities are now reviewing whether Access Bank met the compliance thresholds before and after the incident.
As the investigation deepens, public outrage continues to grow. Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions with over 60 million customers globally, is facing mounting pressure to restore confidence by ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
