EFCC Arraigns Nine Chinese Nationals for Alleged Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned nine Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The defendants are facing charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretences, and identity theft.
The Defendants
The nine Chinese nationals arraigned are:
- Su Dong Fu
- Zheng Xian Tao
- Wang Shi Long
- Pan Cai Qi
- Ting Liao
- Fan Jia
- Feng Li Cani
- Lu Yong Yao
- Yang Chen Cheng
Background of the Case
The defendants are part of a syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested in Lagos on December 10, 2024, during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
Charges Against the Defendants
One of the counts reads: “That you, ZENG XIAN TAO (AKA A TAO AND ZHOU TAO) AND GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Plea and Adjournment
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them. In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, prayed the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the correctional centre. Justice C.J. Aneke adjourned the matter till February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial and also remanded the defendants at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
Implications of the Case
The arraignment of the nine Chinese nationals and the company, Genting International Co. Ltd., highlights the EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime and other financial crimes in Nigeria. The case also underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational crimes. As the trial progresses, it will be interesting to see how the case unfolds and what implications it may have for cybercrime prosecution in Nigeria.
