A Federal High Court convicted 21 foreigners in Abuja over cybercrime and imposed fines.
The judge also ordered them to leave Nigeria within six working days after paying penalties.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday convicted 21 foreign nationals for cybercrime-related offences, slamming a fine of N1 million on each individual.
Justice Ekerete Akpan delivered the ruling after the convicts entered into a plea bargain with the Nigeria Police Force. The judge also ordered their immediate departure from Nigeria within six working days.
The 21 were among 109 foreign nationals facing trial over cybercrime, money laundering, and activities considered threats to national security. They were charged in a case with reference number FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024, filed by the Inspector-General of Police.
The convicted persons include Yang Yang (33), Li Xiao Fen (41), Zheng Peng Zhan (28), Shu Huan (20), Jupanpan (25), Feng Guo (29), Zhao Yifan (31), Mahunan (26), Wang Yi Bo (24), Chen Yan Qi (26), and Shi Hao Jie (28), all represented in court by Linda Ikpeazu.
Others convicted are Xiejang Bing (29), Zheng Jian Feng, Zheng Peng Fei (32), Wei Tang (32), Wang Hao (27), Cheng Xing (30), Yang Xu Gung (27), Zhu Jiu Hui (28), Xhou Kia Lai (28), and Tue Xue Fie (21), represented by Julius Mba.
The suspects, hailing from countries like China, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines, were initially arraigned on a six-count charge in 2024. They had pleaded not guilty and were remanded in Kuje and Keffi Correctional Centers due to the strict bail conditions set last November, which included N1 billion bail and sureties with properties valued at N200 million each.
The police accused them of running an unregistered and fraudulent online gaming platform from Plot 1906, Katampe District, Abuja. One of the charges stated that the group “aided, abetted, and conspired to commit cybercrime,” an offence punishable under Section 27 (1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).
They also faced charges of unlawfully accessing computer networks, inputting false data, laundering funds from illegal platforms such as 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top, and overstaying their business permits—each offence punishable under relevant sections of the Cybercrimes Act, Money Laundering Act (2022), and Immigration Act (2015).
Justice Akpan affirmed that the judgment followed the terms of the plea agreement, noting: “Since the defendants voluntarily accepted the plea bargain, I hereby convict them. Each defendant shall pay a fine of N1 million before release and must leave Nigeria within six working days.”
Defence counsel Linda Ikpeazu assured the court the fines would be paid immediately. “My lord, we are going to pay in the next five minutes,” she said.
In addition, the judge ordered that all devices used in committing the crimes be confiscated and handed over to the Federal Government.
Lead prosecutor A.A. Egwu represented the Inspector-General of Police, while Ikpeazu and Mba defended the convicted individuals.
The trial of the remaining 88 foreign nationals continues on October 22 and 23, 2025.
