9 Chinese nationals jailed for cybercrimes in Lagos
In a landmark ruling, Justice D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one year each in prison for their involvement in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. This decision follows a significant sting operation executed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicts—LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng—were arrested as part of a larger group of 792 alleged fraud suspects linked to cryptocurrency investment and romance scams on December 19, 2024.
In February 2025, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 charged the nine individuals with serious offenses. The charges alleged that they conspired to access computer systems with the aim of destabilizing Nigeria’s economy and social structure. This was classified as an offense under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Initially maintaining their innocence, the defendants shifted their pleas to “guilty” during a court session held on June 5, 2025. Prosecution counsel Nnaemeka Omewa called for a strong sentence, a request that was echoed by the defense counsel.
Ultimately, Justice Osiagor sentenced each defendant to one year in prison, effective from their arrest date of December 10, 2025, and imposed a hefty fine of N1,000,000 on each. The court also mandated their repatriation to China within seven days of completing their sentences, as directed to the Comptroller General of Immigration. In addition, all seized mobile phones, computers, laptops, and routers will be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Source: PUNCH
