The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has presented its first witness in the case against 193 foreign nationals and 599 Nigerians accused of cybercrime following their arrest in Lagos.
At the High Court in Lagos on Friday, the EFCC brought seven foreigners before Justice Deinde Dipeolu—one for arraignment and six for trial.
All six opted for a plea bargain, requesting a short adjournment to negotiate with the EFCC.
Trial commenced against Xiao Hong Will, charged alongside their company, Genting International Ltd.
The court heard testimony from Roland Turaki, an unemployed cybersecurity student, who identified the defendant as one of his employers. He described how employees were instructed to target European victims online.
Led by EFCC prosecutor Bilikisu Buhari Bala, Turaki recounted how he was recruited through an online advert and hired after a typing test.
He was trained to chat with clients using a script, posing as a woman to build trust with European men. After gaining their confidence, supervisors took over the conversations.
Turaki said he worked at the company for just a few weeks before the EFCC raid. He explained that armed security prevented employees from leaving and that pressure and threats were common.
The EFCC intends to submit Turaki’s assigned desktop and training materials as evidence.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial until 18 March to allow the witness to identify the correct desktop from among 300-400 devices.