Nine Chinese nationals have been sentenced to one year in prison for cyber-terrorism and fraud targeting Nigeria’s economy.
Justice Osiagor also imposed fines and ordered their deportation, marking a major win for the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush” operation.
A Federal High Court in Lagos has handed down one-year prison sentences to nine Chinese nationals after they were found guilty of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The judgment was delivered by Justice D. Osiagor, who ruled that the convicts were involved in a coordinated cybercrime operation targeting Nigeria’s economy.
The individuals sentenced include Li Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng. Their arrest came following a large-scale sting operation carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2024. The operation, code-named “Eagle Flush,” led to the arrest of 792 suspects believed to be connected to fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes and romance scams.
Following their arrest, the EFCC arraigned each of the nine individuals on separate charges in February 2025. According to court documents, they were charged with conspiring to access computer systems for the purpose of undermining Nigeria’s economic and social structures. This act was said to be in violation of Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 and is punishable under Section 18(1) of the same law.
Initially, all nine defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were first read. However, during the court session held on June 5, 2025, they reversed their position and changed their plea to guilty.
After accepting the new pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, urged the court to proceed with convictions and appropriate sentencing. The defense team did not oppose this request and asked the court to accept the guilty pleas as submitted.
Justice Osiagor, in his ruling, sentenced each of the convicts to one year in prison, with the sentence taking effect from December 10, 2024, the day of their arrest. Additionally, each convict was fined N1 million.
Beyond the prison term and fines, the judge also ordered that all electronic devices seized during the arrest, including mobile phones, laptops, and routers, be permanently forfeited to the Nigerian government.
The court further directed the Comptroller General of Immigration to ensure that all nine individuals are deported back to China within seven days of completing their jail terms.
