The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, has successfully secured the conviction and sentencing of 15 Chinese nationals for offences bordering on cyberterrorism and internet fraud.
The judgments were delivered by Justices Ayokunle Faji and Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, following a thorough prosecution by the anti-graft agency. The convicts were arraigned on separate charges and found guilty of various cybercrimes, including identity theft, electronic fraud, and unlawful possession of fraudulent devices.
The convicted individuals are: Ling Yang, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Zheng Ming, Wang Jia Qi, Yang Sheng, Peng Sen Lin, Guo Xiao Fei, Chen An Shun, Zhao Ying Bin, Yu Zi (also known as Wei Xue Huan), Zhang Yang, Wang Zhi Cheng, Yang Sheng, and Lu Yubo.
The EFCC revealed that the arrests followed months of intelligence-led investigations into suspicious online activities linked to a criminal network operated by the accused persons. According to the Commission, digital forensic analysis of devices recovered from the suspects confirmed their involvement in large-scale phishing attacks, identity theft, and other forms of cyber-enabled financial crimes targeting individuals and institutions both in Nigeria and abroad.
During the trials, the prosecution presented substantial evidence, including digital footprints, intercepted communications, and fraudulent bank transactions, which proved beyond reasonable doubt the culpability of the accused persons. Many of the convicts reportedly used sophisticated technology and covert online tactics to evade detection and execute illegal operations.
The courts, in separate rulings, sentenced the convicts to varying jail terms in accordance with the provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015. In addition, several electronic gadgets, laptops, mobile phones, and funds traced to the illicit activities were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
Reacting to the judgment, the EFCC described the convictions as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime and a stern warning to foreign nationals exploiting the country’s digital space for criminal purposes.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing cybercriminals—both local and foreign—while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activities to relevant authorities.
