A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced 17 Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment each after they were found guilty of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud charges. The convictions were secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, June 23, 2025, following a plea bargain agreement.
The convicted individuals include Yu Hui (alias A. Bin), Huang Jin Hui, Fei Fan, Lu Qiang, Hu Xi Zheng, Sun Zhi Peng, Wu Hao, Cong Bing, Li Qiang (alias Yang Huan Huan), Zheng Wei (alias A. Hong), Cheng Jian, Da Tou, A Wen, Zhang Lei, Huang Zhi, Pan Jiong, and Chen Wen Yuan.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
The convicts were among 792 suspected cybercriminals apprehended during a major sting operation codenamed "Eagle Flush Operation" conducted by EFCC operatives in Lagos on December 19, 2024.
Each defendant faced a one-count charge of accessing computer systems with the intent to destabilize and damage Nigeria's economy and social structure, violating Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.
Initially, all defendants had pleaded not guilty when arraigned in February 2025. However, during Monday's proceedings, they changed their pleas to guilty after reaching a plea bargain arrangement with the prosecution.
Court Judgment and Penalties
Justices D.E. Osiagor and D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sentenced each of the 17 convicts to one year imprisonment, effective from their arrest date of December 10, 2024. Additionally, each convict was ordered to pay a fine of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira).
The court also directed the Nigerian Immigration Service to repatriate all 17 convicts to China within seven days of the judgment. Furthermore, all items recovered during their arrest—including mobile phones, laptop computers, and routers—were ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The prosecution was led by counsels Nneemeka Omewa, U.S. Kyari, and B.M. Isah, who informed the court about the plea bargain arrangements that were subsequently accepted by the defense.
This case highlights Nigeria's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect its digital infrastructure from foreign and domestic threats.
Stay updated with the latest news by following BenriNews on our social media platforms:
