A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment after they were found guilty of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The verdict was delivered by Justice D. E. Osiagor following the defendants' guilty pleas during court proceedings on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that the convicts were apprehended in December 2024 during a comprehensive sting operation. They were identified as part of a larger network comprising 792 suspects allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance-related fraud schemes.
Details of the Conviction
According to an EFCC statement, the defendants – LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng – faced formal charges in February 2025. The single-count charges against them centered on unauthorized access to computer systems with intent to disrupt Nigeria's economic and social infrastructure.
These offenses violated Section 27 (1)(b) and were punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. Following their guilty pleas, EFCC prosecuting counsel Nnaemeka Omewa requested sentencing, which the defense did not contest.
Sentencing and Deportation Orders
The court sentenced each defendant to one year in prison, with the term calculated from their arrest date of December 10, 2024. Additionally, each convict was fined N1,000,000.
Justice Osiagor further ordered that the nine individuals be repatriated to China within seven days of completing their prison sentences. All items recovered from the convicts – including mobile phones, laptops, computers, and routers – were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
This case highlights Nigeria's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, particularly those involving foreign nationals operating within the country's borders. The conviction sends a strong message about the country's stance on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud schemes that target both local and international victims.
Stay updated with the latest news by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
