In a significant legal development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 57 foreign nationals, predominantly Chinese and Filipino citizens, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on multiple charges including impersonation, fraud, and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional framework. The arraignment took place on Monday, February 3, 2025, marking a pivotal step in the ongoing crackdown on international cybercrime syndicates operating within the country.
The foreign nationals were presented before four different justices: Justice Ayokunle Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Denide Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye. The EFCC also secured an interim forfeiture order on digital assets valued at $222,729.86, which are allegedly linked to the defendants’ fraudulent activities. This order was granted by Justice Owoeye following an ex-parte motion filed by Zeenat Atiku, one of EFCC’s prosecuting counsels.
Among those arraigned were individuals identified as 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). Other notable names include 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 Guo Giang (a.k.a Lisa), among others.
These individuals were apprehended on December 10, 2024, at a hideout located at 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The arrests followed credible intelligence gathered by the EFCC regarding their involvement in cyber-related crimes. According to the commission, the defendants were implicated in orchestrating a sophisticated network that recruited Nigerian youths for identity theft and other fraudulent activities, with the broader objective of destabilizing Nigeria’s constitutional integrity.
The EFCC’s legal team, comprising Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, Suleiman Suleiman, Chineye Okezie, Hannatu Kofarnaisa, N. Ukoha, T. Banjo, and M. Owede, brought forward charges under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. The prosecution alleges that the defendants willfully accessed computer systems with the intent to subvert Nigeria’s legal structures by employing Nigerian youths to commit identity theft and present themselves as foreign nationals to secure financial gains.
Upon reading the charges, each defendant pleaded not guilty. Following their pleas, the court ordered their remand in prison custody pending further legal proceedings. Female defendants were sent to Kirikiri Prison, while their male counterparts were remanded at Ikoyi Prison.
The EFCC emphasized that the defendants’ actions were not just criminal but also posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s national security. The commission continues to investigate the broader implications of the syndicate’s activities, particularly their potential connections to larger international cybercrime networks.
Observers have noted that this case underscores the increasing complexity and transnational nature of cybercrime in Nigeria. Legal experts and analysts believe that the outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its constitutional integrity and cracking down on cyber-related offenses.
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