Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals for their involvement in sophisticated cybercrime activities, imposing a fine of ₦1 million on each convict.
Delivering judgment based on a plea bargain agreement between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force, Justice Akpan ordered that the individuals must leave Nigeria within six working days.
“The defendants entered the plea bargain voluntarily. I therefore convict you as charged,” Justice Akpan declared. “Each of you shall pay a fine of ₦1 million before your release. You must depart the country within six working days, as agreed.”
The court also ordered the forfeiture of all electronic devices and tools used in the commission of the crimes to the Nigerian Government.
These 21 individuals form part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals currently facing prosecution by the Inspector-General of Police on charges including cybercrime, money laundering, and offences posing a threat to Nigeria’s national security.
The convicted persons hail from several countries, including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. They were initially arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge and had pleaded not guilty. They were remanded at Kuje and Keffi Correctional Centres following strict bail conditions imposed on November 29, 2024, which included ₦1 billion bail and five sureties each holding landed property worth ₦200 million.
The police alleged that the convicts operated from Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja, running a fraudulent and unregistered online gaming platform.
Those convicted include:
Yang Yang (33), Li Xiao Fen (41), Zheng Peng Zhan (28), Shu Huan (20), Jupanpan (25), Feng Guo (29), Zhao Yifan (31), Mahunan (26), Wang Yi Bo (24), Chen Yan Qi (26), Shi Hao Jie (28), Xiejang Bing (29), Zheng Jian Feng, Zheng Peng Fei (32), Wei Tang (32), Wang Hao (27), Cheng Xing (30), Yang Xu Gung (27), Zhu Jiu Hui (28), Xhou Kia Lai (28), and Tue Xue Fie (21, female).
Linda Ikpeazu and Julius Mba represented the defendants in court.
The charges included unauthorised access to computer networks and insertion of false data, offences under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes Act. They were also accused of laundering proceeds from illegal online activities, contrary to Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Additionally, they overstayed their 30-day business permits, breaching Section 44(1)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2015.
The court adjourned further proceedings to October 22 and 23 for the continuation of the trial involving the remaining 88 defendants.