9 Chinese jailed in Lagos for cyber-terrorism, fraud

Justice D. E. Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The convicts—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 part of a syndicate of 792 individuals arrested on December 19, 2024, during a coordinated sting operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation.”

They were arraigned separately in February 2025 by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC on one-count charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

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According to the charge, the defendants conspired to unlawfully access computer systems with the intent to destabilize and damage Nigeria’s economy and social structure—an offence punishable under Sections 27(1)(b) and 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.

Initially pleading “not guilty,” the defendants reversed their plea to “guilty” during court proceedings on Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Following the change of plea, EFCC prosecutor Nnaemeka Omewa requested their conviction and sentencing, a submission that was supported by the defence counsel.

Justice Osiagor thereafter sentenced each defendant to one year in prison, effective from their arrest date—December 10, 2024—and imposed a fine of ₦1,000,000 (One Million Naira) on each of them.

The court also directed the Comptroller General of Immigration to facilitate their deportation to China within seven days of completing their prison terms.

Additionally, all electronic devices—phones, laptops, computers, and routers—seized from the convicts during their arrest were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.