In a landmark judgment, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday convicted and sentenced 14 Chinese nationals involved in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested the convicts during a sting operation in Lagos on December 19, 2024.
They were among nearly 800 individuals apprehended for alleged involvement in online scams, including fake cryptocurrency investments and romance fraud schemes targeting Nigerians.
The EFCC, through its official X handle, confirmed that the 14 defendants were part of a sophisticated cybercrime network operating within Nigeria. They were subsequently arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor on multiple counts of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges revealed the gravity of their actions: “Su Zong Gen… willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria.”
Initially, the accused individuals pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, during Friday’s court session, they reversed their pleas and admitted guilt. Following this development, prosecution lawyers T.J. Banjo and M.S. Owede urged the court to convict them based on their confession. With no objection from the defence team, the court proceeded to deliver judgment.
Justice Osiagor sentenced each of the convicts to one year in prison, granting an alternative of a one-million-naira fine per individual. He also directed that all items seized from them during their arrest be forfeited to the Federal Government. The judge further ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service to deport the offenders to China within seven days after serving their sentences or paying the fines.
The convicted individuals are Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, San Feng Zhang, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi Hao, Liu Chuang, Yu Hai Ging, Zhao Xiao Liang, Dai Li, Tao Kun, Mao Bu Yi, and Zhao Zi Cheng. Their sentencing marks a significant move in Nigeria’s crackdown on foreign-led cybercrime, reinforcing the country’s stance on protecting its digital and economic integrity.
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