A Nigerian court has sentenced 15 Chinese nationals for crimes related to cyberterrorism and internet fraud, following a successful prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos.
According to a statement released by the anti-graft agency, the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 secured the convictions before two Federal High Court judges sitting in Ikoyi — Justice Ayokunle Faji and Justice Dehinde Dipeolu.
“The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of 15 Chinese, for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before two Federal High Court Judges sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos; Justice Ayokunle Faji and Justice Dehinde Dipeolu,” the EFCC said.
The convicted individuals were listed as Ling Yang, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Zheng Ming, Wang Jia Qi, Yang Sheng, Peng Sen Lin, Guo Xiao Fei, Chen An Shun, Peng Sen Lin, Zhao Ying Bin, Yu Zi aka Wei Xue Huan, Zhang Yang, Wang Zhi Cheng, Yang Sheng, and Lu Yubo.
“The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud,” the commission added.
This latest conviction follows closely on the heels of another high-profile case in which 14 other Chinese nationals were sentenced for similar offenses.
That earlier case, also prosecuted by the EFCC, was heard before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos. Those convicted were named as Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, San Feng Zhang, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi Hao, Liu Chuang, Yu Hai Ging, Zhao Xiao Liang, Dai Li, Tao Kun, Mao Bu Yi, and Zhao Zi Cheng.
The commission accused this group of running a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate engaged in online scams, identity theft, and digital espionage activities targeting both Nigerian and international victims.
Justice Osiagor reviewed the evidence and delivered a guilty verdict for all 14 defendants, ruling under the Cybercrimes Act and other applicable Nigerian laws.
Although the specific prison terms and asset forfeiture orders have yet to be made public, these convictions represent a firm stance by Nigerian authorities in the ongoing crackdown on transnational cybercrime networks.
