The ₦1,000 Bank Account Scam that Landed Zhang Wen Hao in Nasarawa Court

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially hauled a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, before the law over an alleged “account-harvesting” scheme involving a measly ₦1,000 inducement.

Appearing before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau at the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Mararaba, Zhang faced a one-count charge bordering on cheating and the intentional induction of a local citizen to facilitate “unlawful activity.”

According to the charge sheet, the incident traces back to March 2023 in Suleja. The EFCC alleges that Zhang induced one Paul Yichol with just One Thousand Naira (₦1,000) to open a personal bank account with Access Bank PLC.

The prosecution contends that the account (Number: 1715754475) was not intended for Yichol’s use, but was harvested by Zhang to serve as a conduit for illegal operations. This act, the EFCC states, violates Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

Zhang, through an interpreter, pleaded “not guilty” to the charge.

The Prosecution’s Move: EFCC counsel Taiwo Aromolaran wasted no time, urging the court to move straight to trial. “The prosecution is ready to present its case… we are seeking the court’s intervention to ensure the trial proceeds without delay,” Aromolaran told journalists following the session.

The Defense’s Plea: Defense counsel Michael Ukatu attempted to secure his client’s freedom via an oral bail application. He argued that Zhang would comply with all judicial conditions if granted temporary liberty.

Justice Shekarau was not moved by the immediate plea for bail. The Judge ordered that Zhang be remanded in EFCC custody pending a formal hearing.

Legal experts warn that this case highlights a growing trend of “account harvesting,” where foreign nationals or cybercriminals bribe locals with small sums to use their identities for money laundering or fraud.

As the trial looms, the EFCC continues to warn Nigerians against “renting out” their bank accounts for any amount, as the account holder remains legally liable for any crimes committed using their credentials.