The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a group of foreign nationals, including Chinese and Filipino individuals, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges related to cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.
The defendants appeared separately before four justices: Justice Olayinka Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye.
According to reports, 10 foreigners were arraigned before Justice Faji, 6 before Justice Aneke, and 16 before Justice Dipeolu, the majority being Chinese nationals. Meanwhile, 13 Filipino nationals faced Justice Owoeye.
Upon arraignment, all defendants pleaded not guilty, leading the court to order their remand in correctional facilities until their bail hearings.
The EFCC accused the defendants of secretly recruiting Nigerian youths for identity theft and various forms of cyber fraud. These offences fall under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, which was amended in 2024.
Among those arraigned were Cherry De Leon (A.K.A Yesh De Leon), Khurram Shanzad, Fernad Fu Fang (A.K.A Kim), Tan Soon Kar, Rex Jose Dilag (A.K.A Madison), Jamal Polea, Jamilyn Jaynee Gonzalez (A.K.A Jam Galanza), and Hannah Jaramillo (A.K.A Max De Leon).
Others included Lin Haobo, An Hongxu (A.K.A Ruike), Shitou Shizilong, Pan Jiong, Zhow Kunji, Huang Xiao Liang (A.K.A Liu Xiao Liang), Peng Sen Lin (A.K.A Peng Song Lin), and several others.
Additionally, Filipino defendants such as Danica Manulit (A.K.A. Dan Ruiz), Vera Dela Cris (A.K.A. Nina Vera Gonzal), Joey Gracia, Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (A.K.A. Sumayo), and Tricia Jenylyn Castro (A.K.A. T. J. Castro) were named in the case.
The trials have been scheduled for various dates in February and March, with the earliest set for February 7, 2025.
Background
The defendants were arrested on December 10, 2024 at a hideout on No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, based on intelligence gathered by the EFCC.
The EFCC alleged that the accused deliberately accessed computer systems to undermine Nigeria’s economic structure by employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and falsely presenting them as foreign nationals for financial gain.
The commission further claimed that in December 2024, while under investigation, the defendants provided false information to EFCC officers regarding their involvement in cyber fraud, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud.
According to the EFCC, the offences contravene Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), as well as Section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, which prescribes penalties for such crimes.