The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has taken Adebayo Aliu of No. 6, St. Peter Church Street, Egbeda, Lagos and Fatuntele Lukmon Tunde of No. 14, Adeleke Close, Harmony Estate, Ogba, Lagos, to the Federal High Court in Abuja for impersonation.
]They were charged for creating a fraudulent platform to solicit online engagement by promising a sum of N500,000 to unsuspecting victims who would comment with the phrase ‘Moniepoint Scandal’ and share any imaginary scandalous experience regarding Moniepoint MFB, with the purpose of causing a breakdown of law and order.
The offence is contrary to Section 27(2) (b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024 and punishable under S. 24(1) (b) of the same Act.
However, after months of impersonating Nigerian content creator, Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, known professionally as Brain Jotter, to spread fake news against the brand Moniepoint, the matter was reported to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The investigation and tracking revealed that the handle, @brainjotter_, with 1.4 million followers, was not being operated by Amuzie.
Some of the tweets read: “Once you see this, just reply cos I want to start crediting again. If I credit you 500k, is it enough till month end? Reply by using the words “Moniepoint Scandal.
“N500,000 today. I’m still crediting Add’ Moniepoint Scandal’ to your reply.”
Moniepoint stated that the action was a deliberate attempt to create panic and that the suspect was arrested not for criticism but for a coordinated digital harm campaign currently under investigation by the law enforcement authorities.
According to Moniepoint, patterns on social media engagement that create reputation distrust and signs of coordination capable of triggering public panic and undermining confidence in the financial system, began to emerge.
Moniepoint emphasised that it respects Nigerians’ right to express opinions, ask questions, and hold institutions accountable, noting that customers’ feedback remains central to its product and service improvements.
The company, however, said that recent developments revealed patterns of activity that extended beyond routine criticism. With a platform that supports millions of individuals and businesses while employing thousands across Nigeria, Moniepoint stated that it operates at a scale where protecting public trust is critical not only to its business, but to the stability of the broader financial ecosystem.
In response to these concerns, the company confirmed that it formally reported the matter to the law enforcement authorities in line with its responsibility as a regulated financial institution. It noted that the case is now being handled independently by the appropriate agencies, with prosecution led by the police.
Moniepoint further clarified that the issues before the court are framed around allegations, including coordinated inducement, fabricated narratives, impersonation, and reputational harm. The company stressed that these are allegations that will be examined and determined through the due judicial process.
Speaking with The Guardian in Ogba, Public and Media Relations Manager, Moniepoint Inc., Bemigho Awala, said that the case had taken a broader significance, highlighting emerging risks within the digital ecosystem and the need for clear boundaries between legitimate expression and organised digital conduct that may be harmful.
He also emphasised that while criticism is an essential part of a healthy ecosystem, it must not be distorted through falsehoods, inducement, or coordinated digital actions that erode public confidence.
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