A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has handed down one-year prison sentences to nine Chinese nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The verdict, delivered by Justice D. E. Osiagor on Thursday, June 5, 2025, followed the defendants’ guilty pleas.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrests of the group in December 2024, part of a broad sting operation targeting a larger network of 792 suspects. These individuals were reportedly involved in sophisticated cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud schemes.
The convicted individuals, identified as LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng, were formally charged in February 2025. According to an EFCC statement released on X, the single-count charges against them focused on unauthorized access to computer systems. The prosecution argued that their actions were intended to disrupt Nigeria’s economic and social infrastructure, a violation punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
During court proceedings, EFCC prosecuting counsel Nnaemeka Omewa moved for sentencing after the guilty pleas, a request that went uncontested by the defense.
Justice Osiagor sentenced each defendant to one year in prison, with the term commencing from their arrest date, December 10, 2024. In addition to the prison terms, each convict was fined N1,000,000.
Furthermore, the court mandated the repatriation of all nine individuals to China within seven days of completing their respective sentences. All items recovered from the convicts during their arrest, including mobile phones, laptops, computers, and routers, have been forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Click Here For The Original Source.
