The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 22 to hear the case of 109 foreign nationals accused of engaging in cybercrime and money laundering in Nigeria. These individuals, who come from a variety of countries, including China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar, are facing a six-count charge brought against them by the Nigeria Police Force.
The police allege that the defendants were apprehended at a building in Katampe District, Abuja, where they were reportedly involved in cybercrime activities. In addition to the cybercrime allegations, they are accused of money laundering and illegally residing in Nigeria.
During Thursday’s court session, the defendants were without legal representation, prompting Justice Ekerete Akpan to adjourn the case to allow them to secure lawyers.
“The court will reconvene to take the plea of the defendants on November 22, giving them time to find proper legal counsel,” the judge ruled.
According to the charge sheet (marked FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024), the police allege that the suspects conspired to commit cybercrime.
Specifically, the defendants are accused of “knowingly accessing a computer network and manipulating data to create inauthentic information intended to appear genuine.”
This alleged act violates the Cybercrimes Act of 2015 (amended in 2024) and is punishable under its provisions.
Related Stories
- 113 Foreign Hackers Enjoyed Police Security Before Being Arrested, Abuja Residents Alleged
- Police Arrest 130 Suspects, Including 113 Foreign Nationals, in Major Cybercrime Bust
The defendants also allegedly operated fraudulent and unregistered online gambling platforms designed to deceive users in Nigeria and abroad.
“By promoting these platforms through electronic messages, they caused substantial financial losses to victims,” the prosecution stated.
The platforms, including 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top, reportedly generated illicit profits, which were then laundered out of Nigeria.
The allegations extend beyond cybercrime. Authorities also charged the suspects with overstaying their visas and failing to obtain valid resident permits after their 30-day business visas expired. This constitutes a violation under the Immigration Act of 2015.
Among those facing trial are individuals from various countries, with a significant number from China, including Hanfu E, Chen Slin, and Yang Yang, alongside others from Vietnam, the Philippines, and other nations.