In a landmark ruling that underscores Nigeria’s increasing efforts to combat cybercrime, a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced 14 Chinese nationals for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The judgment, delivered on Friday, June 28, 2025, marks a major win for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its fight against cyber threats within the country.
The Chinese suspects were arrested during a coordinated sting operation by the EFCC in Lagos on December 19, 2024. According to a statement posted on the EFCC’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the syndicate was part of a larger cybercrime network involved in cryptocurrency scams and romance fraud schemes that targeted unsuspecting Nigerians.
The 14 convicts were part of a broader group of 792 individuals apprehended in connection with the sophisticated criminal enterprise. Their arrest and subsequent prosecution highlight the increasing threat posed by foreign cybercriminal networks operating within Nigeria’s borders.
Cyber-Terrorism Charges and Guilty Plea
The suspects—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—were arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor on multiple charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
One of the chilling charges against them read:
“That you, Su Zong Gen, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria…”
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Initially, all 14 defendants entered a not-guilty plea. However, during Friday’s proceedings, they opted to change their pleas to guilty, a move that prompted the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, T.J. Banjo and M.S. Owede, to urge the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. The defence did not oppose the prosecution’s application.
Justice Osiagor subsequently sentenced each of the Chinese nationals to one year in prison. However, the court also offered them the option of a ₦1 million fine in lieu of incarceration.
Deportation and Asset Forfeiture
Beyond imprisonment or the fine, Justice Osiagor ordered that the convicts be deported to China within seven days of completing their sentence or upon payment of the fine. The Nigeria Immigration Service has been tasked with enforcing the deportation order.
Furthermore, all items recovered from the suspects during their arrest were ordered forfeited to the Nigerian Federal Government. These items are believed to include laptops, mobile phones, flash drives, external hard drives, and other digital tools used in executing the cyber scams.
The conviction of these Chinese nationals brings to the fore the growing concern around foreign nationals engaging in criminal activities in Nigeria—especially high-tech crimes such as cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. According to cybersecurity analysts, cross-border cybercrime syndicates often exploit weak digital infrastructure, launder money through cryptocurrency platforms, and prey on unsuspecting victims through fake investment platforms and romance scams.
By targeting Nigerian citizens and manipulating digital systems to destabilize the economy, these criminals not only commit financial fraud but also pose a national security risk. The EFCC’s swift prosecution and the court’s decisive ruling are seen as necessary steps toward safeguarding Nigeria’s cyberspace and protecting its citizens from exploitation.
Implications for Nigeria-China Relations
While this case may raise diplomatic eyebrows, Nigerian authorities have maintained that the rule of law must prevail, irrespective of nationality. The deportation of the convicted Chinese nationals, coupled with asset forfeiture, sends a strong message to foreign actors that Nigeria will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage.
This high-profile case could also prompt tighter scrutiny of immigration and digital monitoring processes, particularly concerning foreigners engaging in business and technology-related ventures within the country.
The sentencing and deportation order against the 14 Chinese nationals serve as a stark reminder of the scale and complexity of cybercrime in today’s digital age. With thousands of victims and millions of naira lost to scams annually, the Nigerian government, through agencies like the EFCC, continues to intensify its crackdown on cybercrime—both domestic and foreign.
As Nigeria fortifies its cyber laws and enhances international cooperation, it remains critical to ensure justice is served and that the country’s digital economy is protected from the threats posed by cyber-terrorism and fraud.
Source – PUNCH
