The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned a 47-year-old man, Ugochukwu Eze, also known as “Amazon,” before a Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged hacking of SunTrust Bank’s server and the diversion of more than ₦800 million.
According to the DSS, Eze and other suspects currently at large allegedly conspired between 2023 and 2026 to unlawfully gain access to the bank’s computer system, disrupt its operations, and fraudulently transfer over ₦800 million into multiple accounts across different financial institutions.
The prosecution, led by M. Bajela, also accused the defendant of concealing and transferring proceeds of the alleged cybercrime through various bank accounts, contrary to the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Eze pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following his plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
Defence counsel, E. Afrogha, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed, noting that her client had been in DSS custody for over a month. However, the prosecution said it had not yet been served with the application, despite having witnesses ready for trial.
Justice Friday Ogazi subsequently adjourned the matter until August 24, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.
Authorities allege that the cyberattack resulted in the diversion of over ₦800 million from SunTrust Bank, though the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.
