Ian Muhia Maina, an employee of Equity Bank, appeared before Milimani Resident Magistrate Irene Thamara and denied three charges relating to unauthorised computer access, attempted theft by servant and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Prosecutors allege Maina accessed Equity Bank’s Finacle banking platform without permission and duplicated two user profiles, identified as VM53601 and BC 23924, between May 2026 and 21 October 2026.

The alleged duplication is said to have been intended to facilitate a further theft offence, leading to a charge of unauthorised access under Section 14(1) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act.

Maina also faces an attempted stealing by servant charge under Section 389 of the Penal Code, with prosecutors claiming he and unidentified accomplices planned to use the duplicated profiles to steal from the bank.

A third count alleges conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393 of the Penal Code, asserting Maina entered an agreement with others to carry out the attempted theft.

The case centres on the alleged duplication of the two user profiles within Equity Bank’s Finacle system, a platform that manages customer accounts and transaction processing.

User profiles typically determine the functions and information an individual can access within a computer system.

Maina was released on cash bail of Sh200,000 or an alternative bond of Sh600,000 while the case proceeds.

The allegations remain unproven, and Maina has denied all charges against him.