The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 109 foreign nationals accused of engaging in cybercrime and other illegal activities in Nigeria, setting stringent conditions for their release.
Justice Ekerete Akpan, presiding over the case, approved bail at a total of ₦1 billion. Each defendant must present five sureties, with each surety required to provide a sum of ₦200 million. Additionally, the sureties must own properties within Abuja worth at least ₦200 million, supported by verifiable title deeds and affidavits of means.
Passports Seized and Movement Restricted
The court ordered all defendants to surrender their international passports and barred them from traveling outside Nigeria during the trial. They are also required to submit two recent passport photographs. Until these conditions are met, the accused will remain in custody, with male defendants held at Kuje Prison and females detained at Keffi Prison in Nasarawa State.
Justice Akpan emphasized the importance of compliance with these bail terms, adding, “The sureties’ residential addresses will be verified, and all conditions must be satisfied before release.” The trial is set to commence on February 27, 2025.
Accusations of Cybercrime and Money Laundering
The accused individuals, hailing from countries such as China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar, face a six-count charge filed by the Cybercrime Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. They are accused of conspiracy to commit cybercrime, money laundering, and overstaying their visas.
According to the police, the defendants were apprehended at a building in Katampe District, Abuja, allegedly used for illegal cyber activities. The charges also include operating fraudulent gambling platforms like 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top.
The prosecution alleged that these platforms were designed to deceive victims into believing they were legitimate, resulting in significant financial losses for individuals in Nigeria and abroad. The alleged offenses contravene sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
The defendants, represented by senior lawyers Dr. Ogwu Onoja and Eric Oba, pleaded not guilty to the charges. They assured the court of their willingness to stand trial and argued for their release on bail.
Speaking on behalf of the prosecution, Mr. A. A. Egwu did not oppose the bail application but urged the court to impose conditions that would ensure the defendants’ presence during their trial.
Also Read
- 113 Foreign Hackers Enjoyed Police Security Before Being Arrested, Abuja Residents Alleged
- Court to Begin Trial of 109 Alleged Foreign Hackers for Cybercrime on Nov 22
Stringent Monitoring and Compliance
The court stressed the need for transparency in the process, mandating the Deputy Chief Registrar to verify the sureties’ credentials and properties. It also highlighted that the trial would proceed without delays.
The defendants’ not-guilty pleas were facilitated through interpreters, as the accused come from various linguistic backgrounds. Notably, five Brazilians among the defendants—Lucas Costa Da Silva, Renan Ricardo Souza Rocha, and others—have requested separate trials.
Apart from cybercrime and money laundering, the accused face charges of violating immigration laws. Police investigations revealed that the defendants entered Nigeria on temporary business permits but failed to leave after their expiration, making their stay illegal.
Public Reaction and Future Proceedings
The case has drawn significant public attention due to its international scope and the stringent bail conditions. Justice Akpan’s orders reflect the court’s intent to ensure accountability.
The trial will resume in February, with the court poised to address the allegations comprehensively. Meanwhile, legal analysts and the public continue to monitor developments in this high-profile case.