In a decisive move against transnational cybercrime, the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justices Yellin Bogoro and Alexander Owoeye, on Friday, May 31, 2025, convicted and sentenced 15 foreign nationals to one year imprisonment each for their involvement in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The landmark judgment comes following a thorough investigation and prosecution by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Among those convicted were 11 Filipino nationals identified as: Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (popularly called Madison), and Beverlyin Gumayo (aka Veb Sumayo). Additionally, the court sentenced two Chinese citizens, Zeng Zerong and Guo Bin; a Malaysian national, Tan Soon Kar; and an Indonesian, Fernando Fu Fang.
The EFCC arraigned the suspects on separate charges related to cybercrime, internet fraud, and the unlawful possession of fraudulent documents. According to court filings, the offences took place in Lagos State in December 2024.
One of the central figures in the case, Winnie De Jesus, was found to have colluded with a corporate entity named Genting International Co. Ltd. in accessing and manipulating computer systems in a manner aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s economy and social structure. The EFCC alleged that De Jesus recruited Nigerian youths, coaching them to impersonate foreigners online in a scheme designed to commit identity theft and gain illicit financial advantages.
Similarly, another Filipino national, Kayceelynn Remorin, was implicated in running a parallel operation. Acting under the same corporate umbrella, Remorin reportedly supervised Nigerian operatives in an online fraud scheme that involved stealing identities and misrepresenting themselves for financial gain. The prosecution further disclosed that Remorin impersonated an individual named “Anastacia Lim” in order to fraudulently obtain benefits on behalf of her employer.
These acts, the prosecution argued, posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s digital and financial systems, and were classified under cyber-terrorism given the scale and intent of the operations. The offences were said to be in violation of Sections 18, 22(2)(b), and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, as amended in 2024. Additionally, the EFCC cited breaches of Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act of 2022.
All 15 defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, and in accordance with plea bargain agreements entered into with the EFCC, the prosecuting counsels N.K. Ukoha, T.J. Banjo, and N.C. Mutfwang urged the court to convict and sentence them based on the terms of the agreements.
Upon reviewing the plea deals and the facts presented, Justices Bogoro and Owoeye convicted the defendants and sentenced each of them to a one-year prison term. However, in line with the terms of the plea agreement, each convict was also given the option to pay a fine of N1 million as an alternative to serving the jail term.
The court further ordered the immediate forfeiture of all electronic devices and equipment seized from the convicts to the Federal Government of Nigeria. These devices had reportedly been used in the commission of the crimes.
In addition to the sentences, the judges issued a directive to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, mandating that all 15 convicts be deported to their respective countries within seven days of completing their prison terms or paying the imposed fines.
The EFCC hailed the ruling as a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing war against cybercrime, especially involving foreign syndicates exploiting the country’s digital vulnerabilities for illicit gains. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Nigeria remains a hostile environment for cybercriminal operations, regardless of origin.
