On Monday, a Federal High Court in Lagos granted bail to Timothy Oluwabukola and Anthony Odemerho, students from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and Resign Regal Academy, respectively, who are accused of hacking into MTN Nigeria’s systems. Each defendant was granted bail of N50 million, with conditions including providing two sureties—one being a civil servant of grade level 14 or higher and the other a property owner within the court's jurisdiction.
Justice Akintayo Aluko set the bail terms after reviewing separate applications from the defendants. He mandated that the sureties present proof of employment and property ownership, alongside sworn affidavits and recent passport photographs. The prosecution must also verify all documents submitted by the sureties.
Oluwabukola and Odemerho were arraigned on July 30, 2024, facing charges of conspiracy, unauthorized access to MTN’s web platform, and unlawful conversion. They are accused of stealing airtime and data worth N1.9 billion between January and April 2024.
Despite pleading not guilty, the defendants remain in a correctional facility until their bail conditions are met. The case was adjourned to August 5, 2024, for a hearing on their bail applications, allowing the prosecution time to review the submissions.
