A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced nine Chinese nationals to varying jail terms after finding them guilty of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related offences. The convicts were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following months of investigation into their involvement in a transnational cybercrime syndicate operating within Nigeria.
The Chinese nationals, whose names were disclosed by the EFCC in an official statement, were arrested during a coordinated operation by anti-graft operatives in Lagos. The operation uncovered sophisticated digital equipment, laptops, and foreign bank cards linked to various online scams targeting individuals and organisations both locally and internationally.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence including recovered devices, incriminating emails, and forensic reports that tied the convicts to the fraudulent schemes. The EFCC legal team argued that the activities of the syndicate posed a serious threat to national security and Nigeria’s financial reputation globally.
Presiding Judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, found the accused guilty as charged and sentenced them to between three and seven years in prison, depending on their level of involvement. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of all recovered gadgets, funds traced to the crime, and proceeds of unlawful activities to the Federal Government.
The EFCC, through its spokesperson, commended the judiciary for the verdict, noting that it sends a clear signal that Nigeria will not tolerate the use of its cyberspace for criminal activities. The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to dismantle transborder cybercrime networks and uphold the rule of law.
This conviction marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s battle against cyber-terrorism and reinforces the country’s resolve to crack down on foreign nationals who exploit digital platforms to perpetrate crimes within its borders.
