A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted ₦150 million bail to Ugochukwu Eze, the man accused of hacking SunTrust Bank Plc’s computer system and fraudulently diverting more than ₦800 million from the financial institution.
Justice Friday Ogazi admitted Eze, also known as Amazon, to bail with two sureties in the same amount and fixed November 19, 2026, for the commencement of his trial.
The defendant, 47, is facing charges bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime and money laundering after being arraigned by the Department of State Services on August 6. Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that Eze has pleaded not guilty, leaving the prosecution to prove the allegations against him at trial.
Prosecutors allege that Eze worked with other individuals who remain at large to interfere unlawfully with SunTrust Bank’s computer system between 2023 and 2026 and divert more than ₦800 million belonging to the lender.
He is also accused of concealing and transferring funds allegedly linked to cyberattacks targeting financial institutions and gaining unauthorised access to critical national financial information infrastructure.
The prosecution brought the case under provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Eze was initially remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service following his arraignment. He subsequently approached the court for bail, citing health grounds and asking to be released on liberal terms.
The DSS opposed the application, including on the ground that the defendant could pose a flight risk. After considering arguments from both sides, the court approved bail subject to several conditions.
Each surety is required to own landed property valued at ₦150 million and provide evidence of tax payments covering three years. The court also permitted one of the sureties to be a Grade Level 15 civil servant or an equivalent officer working with the Lagos State Government, Federal Civil Service or a federal government agency.
Any civil servant standing as surety must reside in Lagos, with the address subject to verification by the court.
Justice Ogazi further ordered Eze to surrender his passports and other international travel documents. He is prohibited from leaving Nigeria without prior approval from the court.
The case will now proceed to trial on November 19, when prosecutors are expected to begin presenting evidence supporting the charges.
All allegations against Eze remain unproven, and he is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty by the court.
