Foreign cybercriminals face justice in Nigeria as 21 individuals are found guilty of online criminal activities, each receiving a fine of one million Nigerian Naira ($2,500) in penalty.
Twenty-One Foreign Nationals Convicted for Cybercrime Activities in Nigeria
In a landmark decision, the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals for cybercrime-related offences. These individuals were part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals charged with cybercrime, money laundering, and immigration violations.
The court, presided over by Justice Ekerete Akpan, handed down a sentence on Tuesday. Each of the 21 convicts was ordered to pay a fine of ₦1 million and was mandated to leave Nigeria within six working days. The convicts were to be released only after paying the fine. Additionally, all electronic devices used in the commission of the crimes were to be forfeited to the Nigerian federal government.
The convicts hail from various countries, including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. The convictions were based on a plea bargain agreement between the defendants and the Nigeria Police Force. The charges against them included aiding and abetting cybercrime, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and overstaying their 30-day business permits in violation of the Immigration Act, 2015.
Among the named convicts were Yang Yang (33), Li Xiao Fen (41), Zheng Peng Zhan (28), Shu Huan (20), Feng Guo (29), Zhao Yifan (31), Shi Hao Jie (28), and Tue Xue Fie (21, the only female). Their lawyers, Linda Ikpeazu and Julius Mba, represented them in court. The court ordered the convicts to pay fines before release and stressed that their deportation was mandatory following conviction.
The arraignment of the convicts occurred before the plea bargain, and the court records show that they were arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge. After the plea bargain, each defendant agreed to pay a fine of ₦1 million.
[1] Nigerian Tribune, "21 Foreigners Convicted for Cybercrime in Nigeria," www.nigeriantribune.com.ng, 2024.
[2] The Guardian, "Foreign Nationals Convicted for Cybercrime in Nigeria," www.theguardian.com.ng, 2024.
[3] Vanguard, "21 Foreigners Convicted for Cybercrime in Nigeria," www.vanguardngr.com, 2024.
[4] Daily Trust, "21 Foreigners Convicted for Cybercrime in Nigeria," www.dailytrust.com.ng, 2024.
[1] The EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) confirmed the convictions, stating that this is a significant step towards enhancing cybersecurity in Nigeria.
[2] The judgment was widely reported in major Nigerian news outlets such as the Punch, state-owned NTA, and international media outlets like BBC News and CNN.
[3] The Nigerian Police promised to work closely with the APC (All Progressives Congress) government to combat cybercrime and other forms of crime and justice-related issues in the country.
[4] The case has been a hot topic of discussion in the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, as it sheds light on the challenges and solutions for improving cybersecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the increasing reliance on technology.
[5] Critics argue that the fine imposed may not be a deterrent for these individuals, and they propose stricter penalties or alternative measures such as imprisonment, community service, or asset forfeiture to serve as a stronger deterrent.
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