A prosecution witness, Jacob Lilian, has narrated how her job search led to alleged involvement in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud under the employment of a Chinese national, Ling Yang (a.k.a. Shao Ming), in Lagos.
Testifying before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lilian recounted how she was recruited by Genting International Co. Limited, where she was allegedly coerced into participating in a cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud scheme.
Background of the Case
Ling Yang, identified as part of a 792-member cyber fraud syndicate, was arrested on December 10, 2024, during an EFCC-led operation codenamed “Eagle Flush”. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting him and Genting International Co. Limited on a four-count charge of cybercrime and advance fee fraud.
One of the charges states:
“That you, LING YANG A.K.A. SHAO MING, sometime in December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to gain financial advantage for your employer, fraudulently impersonated one Amity by holding yourself out as such, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.”
Yang pleaded guilty to all charges, leading to the commencement of his trial.
Witness’s Testimony
Led in evidence by prosecution counsel Hanatu U. KofarNaisa, Lilian detailed how she discovered the job opportunity through a WhatsApp job update group in November 2024. The listing only provided an address, No. 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Lagos, and did not require any credentials, CV submission, or formal interview upon arrival.
“Upon getting there, I was not asked to present any documents. Instead, I was required to sit in front of a computer and complete a speed test. I initially scored 28 out of 30, and they encouraged me to improve my speed. Shortly after, I was given the job without an offer letter or any official employment documentation,” she testified.
According to Lilian, the company provided accommodation on Lagos Island, and she moved in shortly after accepting the job.
She later realized that her work involved impersonation—she was handed a script and instructed to assume the identity of an individual named Alani Thomas while interacting with customers, mainly Europeans, via online chats.
“Once I established rapport with a customer, after about three days, I was asked to stop communicating, and my employers would take over the conversation,” she explained.
She disclosed that employees were closely monitored and restricted from leaving the office premises without security escorts. Additionally, they had to submit their mobile phones before starting work each day.
Lilian, who was paid a monthly salary of N250,000, testified that she wanted to resign but found it difficult due to strict surveillance and control measures by her employers.
“The EFCC arrest was a saving grace for me,” she stated.
Court’s Decision
The prosecution applied for an adjournment to allow for the presentation of computer evidence containing the scripts used in the alleged fraud.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to April 11, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
