A Nairobi court has become the stage for a financial scandal as Simon Sirere Seno, a Digital Data and E-Channels Support Officer at Co-operative Bank of Kenya, faces charges of disclosing a customer's account details, leading to the theft of Sh2.2 million.
Seno stands accused of unauthorized access to the bank's Finacle Computer System (FCS) to retrieve personal data belonging to customer Nancy Nyambura Kihanga.
The alleged breach occurred with the clear intention of stealing Sh2,210,241 from Kihanga's account.
Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Gilbert Shikwe presided over the initial hearing, where it was revealed that Seno, in collaboration with Harrison Mwaura Njoroge, pilfered the substantial sum from Kihanga's account at the bank's Kayole Branch.
The illicit act transpired between October 5-11, 2023.
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Seno faces a total of six charges, including unauthorized access to the bank's computer system with the intent to commit offences.
Both accused individuals, Seno and Njoroge, vehemently denied the allegations levelled against them during the proceedings led by the prosecution, represented by Judy Koech.
In a bid to secure their release on bond, the defence applied for the same, only to encounter opposition from Koech.
She argued that the case should be consolidated with another related case pending before Senior Principal Magistrate Martha Nanzushi.
Expressing surprise at the revelation, the defence lawyer claimed to be unaware of other cases involving similar transactions before different courts.
However, Koech urged Justice Shikwe to redirect the case to Justice Nanzushi for further guidance on the bond application.
Responding to the situation, Justice Shikwe ordered the suspects, Seno and Njoroge, to appear before Justice Nanzushi for additional directions in the unfolding legal drama.
The courtroom spectacle sheds light on the intricate web of allegations, leaving many questioning the integrity of digital banking security systems and the potential vulnerabilities within financial institutions.