A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced 14 Chinese nationals for their involvement in cyber-terrorism and Internet fraud. The conviction followed a sting operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 19, 2024, which targeted a cybercrime syndicate operating in Lagos. The group was among 792 individuals arrested for alleged participation in cryptocurrency investment scams and online romance frauds aimed at Nigerians.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor on separate charges of cyber-terrorism and Internet fraud. One of the charges included willfully gaining access to computer systems to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social fabric. Though they initially pleaded not guilty, all 14 later changed their pleas to guilty during the court proceedings on Friday.
Following the guilty plea, prosecution counsel T.J. Banjo and M.S. Owede requested the court to convict them accordingly, and the defence team did not oppose the motion. Justice Osiagor subsequently sentenced each of the convicts to one year in prison, offering an alternative of a N1 million fine. The judge also ruled that all items recovered from them during the arrest be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Additionally, the court ordered that the convicts be deported to China by the Nigeria Immigration Service within seven days after completing their sentence or paying the fines. The convicted individuals are Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, San Feng Zhang, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi Hao, Liu Chuang, Yu Hai Ging, Zhao Xiao Liang, Dai Li, Tao Kun, Mao Bu Yi, and Zhao Zi Cheng.
