First City Monument Bank (FCMB) confirms that an incident involving an alleged security breach attempt occurred at its branch located in the Secretariat area of Owerri, Imo State, on the evening of Monday, June 30, 2025.
According to preliminary reports, an unidentified individual entered the banking hall during regular business hours posing as a customer. He allegedly concealed himself in the restroom and later climbed into the ceiling, where he remained hidden overnight. The following morning, July 1, staff arriving for work discovered the main entrance locked from the inside. Upon gaining access, they were alarmed to find the suspect still on the premises, reportedly attempting to tamper with the bank’s computer systems.
Screens on several terminals were observed displaying unusual prompts such as “restarting, click ok to accept,” raising concerns of a potential cyber intrusion. The suspect was promptly apprehended by security personnel and handed over to law enforcement authorities. A viral video circulating online shows the moment of his arrest, which has sparked public debate regarding the handling of the situation.
FCMB is fully cooperating with the Nigeria Police Force, which has launched a formal investigation into the matter. The bank assures its customers and stakeholders data or funds were compromised, and all systems remain secure.
“We take this incident very seriously,” said a spokesperson for FCMB. “Our internal security protocols were activated immediately, and we are working closely with authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. We remain committed to the safety and integrity of our banking environment.”