Lagos, Nigeria – 1 July 2025
In a scene straight out of a heist film, a man was apprehended at a First City Monument Bank (FCMB) branch in Lagos after attempting to hack the bank’s computer system. The suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was discovered hiding in the ceiling of the bank’s restroom, following a bizarre sequence of events that unfolded over two days.
According to FCMB’s official statement, the incident began when the man, posing as a customer, entered the branch during regular hours on Monday. Unnoticed by staff, he slipped into the restroom, locked the door, and climbed into the ceiling, where he remained concealed until the bank closed for the day. Under the cover of night, he descended, accessed the bank’s computer system, and attempted to breach its security protocols.
The suspect’s plan was audacious: after tampering with the system, he returned to his hiding spot in the ceiling, intending to blend in with customers the following morning and make his escape. However, his scheme unravelled when staff arrived on Tuesday and found the restroom door locked from the inside. Forcing it open, they were stunned to discover the man crouched in the ceiling. As employees powered on their computers, they noticed unusual messages on the screens, raising immediate suspicions.
The bank’s security team was swiftly alerted, and the suspect was apprehended before he could flee. Authorities were called to the scene, and the man was taken into custody for questioning. Preliminary investigations suggest he acted alone, though police are exploring potential links to broader cybercrime networks.
FCMB praised the vigilance of its staff, stating, “Our robust security measures and quick response prevented any breach of our systems. We remain committed to safeguarding our customers’ assets and data.” The bank confirmed that no customer information was compromised and that operations have returned to normal.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about cybercrime in Nigeria, where financial institutions are increasingly targeted by sophisticated hacking attempts. According to a 2024 report by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), electronic fraud cases in the banking sector rose by 12% last year, prompting calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures.
The suspect is currently in police custody, with investigations ongoing to determine the full extent of his actions and any potential accomplices. Authorities have yet to confirm whether charges have been filed, but the case is likely to draw significant attention as Nigeria grapples with the rising threat of cybercrime.
FCMB has assured customers that additional security reviews are underway to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the image of a would-be hacker caught red-handed in a bank ceiling has left Lagos residents both amused and alarmed.
