The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced five Chinese nationals for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu on Tuesday, follows their arrest during a major anti-cybercrime operation conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicted individuals, Guo Qiang (alias Wu You You), Yang Shumei, Guo Zhi Yong, Zhang Gia Feng, and Lu Yi Liang were among 792 suspects apprehended in Lagos on December 19, 2024, during the EFCC’s sting operation codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation.”
The operation targeted a transnational syndicate engaged in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance-related internet fraud.
According to a statement issued by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, the five defendants were arraigned on separate charges that included cyber-terrorism and online financial crimes.
One of the charges against Guo Qiang read: “That you, Guo Qiang (aka Wu You You), sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, wilfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”
Read also: 23 Chinese nationals jailed for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud in Lagos
Initially, according to EFCC, the accused pleaded not guilty. However, during Tuesday’s court proceedings, they all changed their pleas to guilty.
Following the change in plea, the EFCC’s prosecution counsel, U.S. Kyari, urged the court to convict them in line with the charges.
Dipeolu thereafter sentenced each of the five to one year in prison with an option of a N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) fine.
In addition to the sentence, the judge directed that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) ensure the repatriation of the convicts to their home country within seven days after completing their sentences.
The EFCC has described the ruling as another milestone in its ongoing fight against cybercrime and the disruption of organized criminal networks operating within Nigeria.
