A group of 20 foreign nationals faced the Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday over accusations of cybercrime and economic sabotage. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the charges against the suspects, who include 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese individuals.
The arrests stemmed from a December 2024 operation, during which authorities raided a location in Victoria Island, Lagos, acting on intelligence reports. Over 190 foreign suspects and nearly 600 Nigerians were taken into custody during the crackdown.
At the hearing, the EFCC’s legal representative, Nwandu Ukoha, requested that the charges be formally presented. Assisted by an interpreter, the accused entered a not-guilty plea. Ukoha further petitioned the court to detain them at a correctional facility until trial. However, defence attorneys argued for a delay, seeking time to discuss a possible plea bargain.
Presiding Judge Musa Kakaki sided with the prosecution, ordering the suspects’ remand and setting March 18 and 20, 2025, as trial dates.
Prosecutors allege the defendants, under the employment of Genting International Co. Limited, orchestrated identity theft schemes, manipulating Nigerians into impersonating foreign nationals for financial fraud. These activities, authorities claim, were designed to disrupt Nigeria’s economic framework.
The case falls under multiple provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, including sections addressing unlawful access to computer systems, identity fraud, and conspiracy.
The trial is expected to bring further revelations as authorities continue their clampdown on cyber-related crimes in the country.
