A high level security breach happened at the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) branch in Lagos after a suspected thief was found hiding in the ceiling, allegedly attempting to tamper with the bank’s systems through an overnight operation.
The bank staff returned early the next morning to find the restroom door locked from the inside. After forcing entry, they discovered the suspect crouched above the customer service area. When technicians powered on the terminal below, the screen displayed a message reading, “Restarting… Click OK to accept,” suggesting the intruder’s attempt to manipulate system functions.
Security footage shows the man entered the branch during working hours posing as a customer and quietly retreated to the restroom. No staff noticed his disappearance, underscoring gaps in the bank’s CCTV coverage and patrol routines. Branch management has since launched an internal review of surveillance blind spots and overnight security protocols.
The suspect was detained by on-site security and handed over to the FCT Police Command for further investigation. He claimed “inside knowledge” of the bank’s layout but refused to elaborate on his motives. Police are investigating whether the act was a lone burglar’s prank or part of a larger scheme targeting financial institutions.
Cybersecurity experts warn that physical infiltration remains a potent threat vector. They recommend that banks reinforce ceiling access points, install motion detectors in non-public areas, and integrate panic alarms with law-enforcement response systems to thwart similar breaches.
In a now-viral video, the suspect is seen begging for mercy, claiming he acted alone, though the bank has yet to issue an official statement, several clips show the man being detained and handled roughly by security officials at the scene.
