Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a judgment convicting 21 foreign nationals over serious cybercrime offenses.
Each of the individuals was fined ₦1 million and instructed to leave Nigeria within six working days.
In a ruling based on a plea agreement between the convicted persons and the Nigeria Police Force, Justice Akpan declared that the sentence followed the terms previously negotiated by both parties.
“Since the defendants voluntarily entered into a plea bargain agreement, I hereby convict each of you accordingly,” Justice Akpan stated during the session. He emphasized that the fine of ₦1 million for each defendant must be settled prior to their release and that they must exit Nigeria within the allotted timeframe.
Additionally, the judge directed that all devices and equipment used during the execution of the criminal activities be confiscated and handed over to the Federal Government.
These 21 individuals are part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals currently being prosecuted by the office of the Inspector-General of Police. They face multiple accusations involving cybercrime, money laundering, and conduct deemed harmful to the security of the Nigerian state.
The convicted persons hail from various nations including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. They were arraigned in court in 2024 on a six-count indictment.
When the charges were initially brought against them, they entered not guilty pleas and were remanded in custody at Kuje and Keffi Correctional Centres. Their bail conditions, set on November 29, 2024, were severe — each was required to meet a ₦1 billion bail and provide five sureties owning real estate valued at ₦200 million each.
The prosecution maintained that the group operated from Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja, where they allegedly ran a fake and unlicensed gaming operation.
The convicted individuals include Yang Yang (33), Li Xiao Fen (41), Zheng Peng Zhan (28), Shu Huan (20), Jupanpan (25), Feng Guo (29), Zhao Yifan (31), Mahunan (26), Wang Yi Bo (24), Chen Yan Qi (26), and Shi Hao Jie (28), all represented in court by counsel Linda Ikpeazu.
Other convicted persons are Xiejang Bing (29), Zheng Jian Feng, Zheng Peng Fei (32), Wei Tang (32), Wang Hao (27), Cheng Xing (30), Yang Xu Gung (27), Zhu Jiu Hui (28), Xhou Kia Lai (28), and Tue Xue Fie (21), a female defendant, represented by Julius Mba.
The charges leveled against them included unlawful intrusion into a computer system and the input of fraudulent information — offenses covered under Section 13 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act. They also faced charges of laundering money obtained through their illicit platform, violating Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Another charge brought against the group was the violation of Nigerian immigration laws, specifically overstaying their legally permitted 30-day business visits. This particular offense is punishable under Section 44 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2015.
The Federal High Court has scheduled the continuation of the trial for the remaining 88 foreign defendants for October 22 and 23.
What you should know
Justice Akpan’s ruling marks a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to curb cybercrime and protect national security.
The 21 convicted foreign nationals, part of a much larger group facing prosecution, were penalized for using fraudulent gaming operations and computer networks to carry out illegal activities. The case highlights the growing international dimensions of cybercrime and Nigeria’s legal resolve to address it.
