14 Chinese Nationals Convicted of Cyber-Terrorism, Face Deportation from Nigeria
A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has handed down convictions and sentences to 14 Chinese nationals on charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that these individuals were part of a larger, sophisticated cybercrime syndicate.
The group, including Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, San Feng Zhang, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi Hao, Liu Chuang, Yu Hai Ging, Zhao Xiao Liang, Dai Li, Tao Kun, Mao Bu Yi, and Zhao Zi Cheng, appeared before Justice Daniel Osiagor. They faced multiple charges, with a particularly grave accusation stating they "willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria."
These convictions stem from a major sting operation conducted in Lagos on December 19, 2024, which initially led to the arrest of 792 suspects. The operation targeted alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance scams that have been a growing concern for Nigerian authorities.
Initially, the 14 defendants had pleaded not guilty. However, during Friday's court proceedings, June 27, 2025, they opted to change their plea to guilty, leading to their immediate conviction.
Justice Osiagor sentenced each of the 14 convicts to one year imprisonment, with an alternative option of a N1 million fine. Crucially, the court also ordered that upon serving their sentence or paying the fine, all 14 individuals must be deported to China within seven days by the Nigeria Immigration Service. Furthermore, all items recovered from the convicts during their arrest have been forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
This landmark case underscores Nigeria's resolute commitment to combating cybercrime and safeguarding its economic infrastructure from illicit activities, irrespective of the perpetrators' nationality. It sends a clear message that Nigeria will not be a haven for cybercriminals.
