The prosecutor, Michael Bajela, also accused the defendant and his alleged accomplices of conspiring to unlawfully interfere with SunTrust Bank’s computer system, resulting in the fraudulent diversion of more than N800 million belonging to the bank.
Bajela had further told the judge that the defendant concealed and transferred various sums of money linked to unlawful cyberattacks on financial institutions.
He further accused the defendant of obtaining unauthorised access to vital national financial information infrastructure.
The prosecutor maintained that the offences violated Sections 5, 6(1), and 8 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024, as well as Sections 10, 20, and 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Eze, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, compelling the judge to remand him in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
While in custody, the defendant filed a bail application, requesting release on health grounds and on favourable terms.
The DSS opposed the application, citing, among other reasons, that the defendant posed a flight risk.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice Ogazi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N150 million, with two sureties of in like sum.
The judge also directed that the sureties must own property valued at no less than N150 million and produce evidence of three years’ tax payments.
Justice Ogazi also ordered that one of the sureties must be a civil servant on Grade Level 15 or equivalent in the Lagos State or Federal Civil Service, or any federal government agency.
He further held that the civil servant must reside in Lagos State, with the address subject to verification by the court.
The court further ordered Eze to surrender all passports and other international travel documents in his possession and banned him from travelling outside Nigeria without prior court approval.
One of the charges reads:
“That you, Ugochukwu Eze (a.k.a. Amazon), male, 47 years, sometime between 2023 and 2026 in Lagos and other places within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, unlawfully seriously hindered the function of SunTrust Bank Plc’s computer system, and in the process fraudulently diverted over N800,000,000.00 belonging to the said SunTrust Bank Plc, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 8 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024.”
