Nigerian Court jails nine Chinese, to be deported to China after serving time
Nigerian Court jails nine Chinese, to be deported to China after serving time
A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one year in prison for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The conviction was handed down on Thursday, June 5, 2025, by Justice D.E. Osiagor after the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the individuals were arrested during a major sting operation in December 2024, targeting a criminal network linked to cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud. The network reportedly involves 792 suspects.
The convicted individuals, 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 formally charged in February 2025.
They faced a single-count charge of unauthorized access to computer systems with intent to undermine Nigeria’s economic and social stability, contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Following their guilty pleas, EFCC counsel Nnaemeka Omewa moved for sentencing, which was unopposed by the defence.
Justice Osiagor sentenced each defendant to one year in prison, effective from the date of arrest December 10, 2024 and imposed a fine of ₦1,000,000 on each of them.
In addition, the court ordered the convicts to be deported to China within seven days of completing their jail terms.
Items seized during their arrest including mobile phones, laptops, desktop computers, and internet routers were forfeited to the Federal Government.
