FCMB Customer Allegedly Hid Overnight in Bank’s Ceiling to Hack System Police Launch Investigation
A suspected cybercriminal has been apprehended at a First City Monument Bank (FCMB) branch in Owerri, Imo State, after allegedly hiding in the ceiling overnight in an attempt to hack into the bank’s computer systems.
According to a viral video circulating on social media, the unidentified man entered the FCMB branch during working hours on Monday, posing as a regular customer. He reportedly locked himself inside the restroom, accessed the ceiling void, and remained hidden until after the bank closed for the day.
Eyewitnesses say the suspect descended during the night and attempted to breach the bank’s IT infrastructure. However, when staff resumed the next morning, they found the restroom locked from the inside. Upon forcing the door open, the suspect was discovered hiding in the ceiling.
A message reportedly appeared on one of the bank’s computer screens reading: “Restarting. Click OK to accept” suggesting that tampering may have occurred.
Security operatives were alerted and swiftly responded. The man was forcibly removed from his hiding place and beaten by police officers and security personnel an incident that was captured on video and has since drawn widespread criticism.
Social media users expressed mixed reactions. While some questioned the bank’s internal security measures, many others condemned the excessive force used on the suspect.
One X user, @Rarebred, wrote:
“Why are Nigerian police officers so unprofessional? Stomping on his head and chest? He could die before any investigation begins!”
Another user, @Tolu, added:
“He was caught red-handed, yet brutalized. Nigerian banks and police different uniforms, same culture of impunity.”
Responding to the video, the Nigeria Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the officers’ conduct as highly inappropriate.
“Unprofessional conduct. Too bad. Many indecent acts were spotted in the video. We will look into it holistically,” he posted on X.
As of the time of filing this report, FCMB has not released an official statement regarding the attempted breach or the incident involving its staff and security personnel.
