Lagos Court Jails 15 Foreigners for Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, a Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced 15 foreign nationals to one year in prison each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convicts—11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian, and one Indonesian—were found guilty of recruiting Nigerian youths for identity theft and impersonation schemes aimed at defrauding victims globally.
Key Takeaways:
- Convictions: 15 foreign nationals sentenced to one year imprisonment and fined ₦1 million each.
- Recruitment: The convicts recruited Nigerian youths for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
- Operations: Crimes involved identity theft and impersonation to defraud international victims.
- Repatriation: Convicts to be deported after serving their sentences.
- Asset Forfeiture: Devices used in crimes forfeited to the Nigerian government.
Full Story:
Justices Yellin Bogoro and Alexander Owoeye presided over the case, where the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged the defendants with cyber-terrorism and possession of fraudulent documents. The court heard that the convicts operated under the guise of a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, to recruit and train Nigerian youths in cybercrime activities.
One of the charges stated:
“That you, WINNIE DE JESUS & GENTING INTERNATIONAL Co. LTD, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully accessed computer systems with intent to seriously destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structures of Nigeria, by procuring Nigerian youths for identity theft.”
All defendants pleaded guilty and entered plea bargains with the EFCC. The court sentenced each to one year imprisonment and a fine of ₦1 million. Additionally, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service was ordered to repatriate the convicts within seven days of completing their sentences. Devices recovered from the convicts were forfeited to the federal government.
Social Media Reactions:
Here are some reactions from X (formerly Twitter):
@NaijaWatchdog: “Finally, the EFCC is catching the big fish. Kudos!”
@TechSavvyNG: “Cybersecurity is a serious issue. Glad to see action being taken.”
@LagosInsider: “This should serve as a warning to others involved in such crimes.”
@YouthVoiceNG: “Our youths deserve better opportunities, not to be used for fraud.”
@JusticeForAllNG: “Justice served. Let’s hope this deters future cybercriminals.”
This case highlights the growing concern of cybercrime in Nigeria and the involvement of foreign nationals in exploiting local youths for fraudulent activities. The EFCC’s actions demonstrate a commitment to combating cyber-terrorism and protecting the nation’s economic and social structures.
Sources: The Guardian Nigeria, Vanguard News, Punch Newspapers
Follow us on X (Twitter) @newstridez
