Authorities have accused a group of individuals of creating a coordinated online scheme designed to spread false information about a financial institution, Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, in exchange for monetary rewards.
According to court filings, the defendants allegedly developed a digital platform to recruit users into publishing misleading content. Participants were reportedly promised ₦500,000 if they posted comments using the phrase “Moniepoint Scandal” and shared fabricated experiences aimed at damaging the bank’s reputation.
Prosecutors say the alleged plan was intended to trigger widespread online reactions capable of causing public unrest and undermining confidence in the institution.
Investigators further allege that the suspects impersonated a well-known content creator, Brain Jotter, to give the scheme credibility and attract more engagement. Authorities described the alleged impersonation as an attempt to mislead the public and interfere with the course of justice.
Court documents state that the defendants used the impersonation “in order to pervert or defeat the course of justice by creating a fraudulent platform to solicit tumultuous online engagement.”
The case was scheduled for arraignment before Justice Ofili Ajumogobia but could not proceed after the defendants failed to appear in court and were not represented by legal counsel. The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 27 for further hearing.
The charges are said to fall under provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, as amended in 2024, raising legal questions about coordinated misinformation, online manipulation, and impersonation in the digital space.
The development highlights growing concerns about the misuse of social media to spread false narratives and influence public perception. Authorities say the case is part of broader efforts to clamp down on cyber-related offences and safeguard individuals and institutions from reputational damage.
