The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an additional 16 Chinese nationals before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges related to cyber-terrorism and internet fraud allegedly aimed at destabilizing the Nigerian economy.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor on Tuesday, facing multiple charges, including cybercrimes, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents containing false pretenses. They are part of the 792 individuals arrested during a sting operation codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by the EFCC in Lagos on December 10, 2024.
According to the charge sheets, the defendants are identified as Hu Hui (a.k.a A Bin), Liao Ri Xing (a.k.a. Li Jun), Li Qiang (a.k.a. Yang Huan Huan), A Wen, Da Tou, Cheng Jian, Cong Bing, Fei Fan, Huxi Heng, Zheng Wei (a.k.a. A Hong), Huang Zhi, Zhang Lei, Sun Zhi Peng, Huang Jin Hui, Wù Hao, and Lu Qiang.
During the court proceedings, the EFCC prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, presented details of the allegations, stating that “Li Qiang (A.K.A Yang Huan Huan) and Genting International Co. Ltd sometime in December 2024 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court caused to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015.”
The prosecution further alleged that Li Qiang was found in possession of fraudulent documents intended to deceive unsuspecting victims. “The anti-graft agency also accused Li Qiang (A.K.A Yang Hủan Hủan) that sometime in December 2024 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud had in your possession document containing false pretence to wit: fraudulent chats format; wherein you represented yourself to online victims to be a female model and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 6, 8 (b) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Free Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No.14 of 2006.”
Another defendant, Hu Xi Heng, along with Genting International Co. Ltd, was also accused of involvement in activities aimed at undermining Nigeria’s economic stability. The charge against them states, “EFCC also accused Hu Xi Heng and Genting International Co. Ltd that sometime in December 2024 at Lagos within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court caused to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015.”
Upon the reading of the charges, all 16 defendants pleaded “not guilty.” Following their plea, the prosecution counsel urged the court to set a trial date and requested that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending the commencement of the case.
Consequently, Justice Osiagor ordered that the accused be remanded in the Nigerian correctional service center and adjourned the trial to June 23, 2025.
