In a decisive move against transnational cybercrime, the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals over their involvement in high-level cybercrime activities, slamming each with a ₦1 million fine and ordering their deportation within six working days.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Ekerete Akpan upheld a plea bargain agreement reached between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force, following months of prosecution on charges ranging from cybercrime and money laundering to immigration violations and national security threats.
Convicted and Deported
The convicted individuals include nationals from China, Vietnam, and Thailand, among them:
Yang Yang (33)
Li Xiao Fen (41)
Zheng Peng Zhan (28)
Shu Huan (20)
Feng Guo (29)
Zhao Yifan (31)
Wang Yi Bo (24)
Shi Hao Jie (28)
Tue Xue Fie (21) (female)
…and others.
They were all represented in court by defence counsels Linda Ikpeazu and Julius Mba.
Justice Akpan, while pronouncing the sentence, said:
“The sentence is in line with the plea bargain terms entered voluntarily by the defendants. I hereby convict you as charged. Each shall pay a fine of ₦1 million and depart the country within six working days.”
Defence counsel Linda Ikpeazu assured the court the fines would be paid “within the next five minutes.”
Part of Larger Crackdown
The 21 convicts are part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals currently being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police, with the remaining 88 defendants expected to face continued trial on October 22 and 23.
The suspects were originally arraigned under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024 on a six-count charge covering:
Cybercrime (Section 27 of Cybercrimes Act, 2015)
Unlawful data access and input of fake information (Section 13)
Money laundering (Section 18 of Money Laundering Act, 2022)
Overstaying visa permits (Section 44 of Immigration Act, 2015)
Police Allegations and Asset Forfeiture
The police alleged that the defendants were operating a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform from Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja, where they were allegedly laundering funds through suspicious platforms such as 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top.
Justice Akpan also ordered the forfeiture of all electronic devices and tools used in the commission of the crimes to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Ongoing Trial
Lead prosecutor A.A. Egwu, representing the Inspector-General of Police, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to pursue justice against all foreign elements abusing Nigeria’s digital and financial systems.
The case continues on October 22 and 23, as the court resumes hearing against the remaining 88 foreign defendants.
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