Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals involved in high-level cybercrime, imposing a fine of ₦1 million on each and ordering their deportation from Nigeria within six working days.
The judgement was delivered on the basis of a plea bargain agreement reached between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force.
Justice Akpan stated that the sentencing adhered strictly to the terms of the agreement voluntarily entered into by the defendants.
“After the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged.”
“The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of ₦1 million fine each, which shall be paid before their release.”
“They shall depart the country within six working days,” the judge ruled.
In addition, all devices and gadgets used in perpetrating the crimes were ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The convicted individuals are part of a group of 109 foreign nationals currently facing prosecution by the Inspector-General of Police for crimes including cyber fraud, money laundering, and activities that pose threats to national security.
The 21 convicts, who are citizens of China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, were arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge. Initially, they pleaded not guilty and were remanded in Kuje and Keffi correctional centres due to their inability to meet stiff bail conditions, which included ₦1 billion bail and five sureties owning ₦200 million worth of property each.
Police investigations revealed that the accused operated from Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja, running a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.
The convicted individuals include Yang Yang, Li Xiao Fen, Zheng Peng Zhan, Shu Huan, Jupanpan, Feng Guo, Zhao Yifan, Mahunan, Wang Yi Bo, Chen Yan Qi, Shi Hao Jie, Xiejang Bing, Zheng Jian Feng, Zheng Peng Fei, Wei Tang, Wang Hao, Cheng Xing, Yang Xu Gung, Zhu Jiu Hui, Xhou Kia Lai, and Tue Xue Fie.
They were represented in court by counsels Linda Ikpeazu and Julius Mba.
Charges against them included unlawful access to a computer network, the input of false data under the Cybercrimes Act, laundering proceeds from illegal platforms in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, and overstaying their business permits contrary to the Immigration Act.
The trial of the remaining 88 defendants is set to continue on October 22 and 23.
