By JOY ADARA, Abuja-
The trial of 109 foreigners accused of high-level cybercrime and hacking activities has been adjourned by the Federal High Court Abuja until October 22 and 23 due to the absence of the prosecuting lawyer.
The defendants, citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar, were arraigned on a six-count charge, including cybercrime, money laundering, and unlawfully residing in Nigeria.
The prosecution’s lawyer failed to appear in court, despite the defendants’ counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye, SAN, being present. Aladedoye opposed the prosecution’s application for adjournment, citing relevant laws and arguing that they were ready to proceed with the trial.
Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court Abuja granted the adjournment, observing that this was the first time the prosecution would be making such an application.
The defendants were alleged to have engaged in cybercrime by promoting a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.
They were also accused of money laundering and unlawfully residing in Nigeria. The court had earlier admitted them to a N1 billion bail with five sureties, each with a landed property worth N200 million.
The judge adjourned the matter until October 22 and 23 for trial, urging the prosecution to ensure their presence in court on the next adjourned date.
The defendants were remanded in correctional centers pending the perfection of their bail terms.
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