Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has convicted 21 foreign nationals for cybercrime-related offences, ordering them to pay a fine of ₦1 million each and depart Nigeria within six working days.
The ruling followed a plea bargain agreement entered into by the defendants and the Nigeria Police Force. Delivering the judgment, Justice Akpan confirmed that the plea was made voluntarily and accepted the terms reached by both parties.
“After the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged,” the judge ruled. “The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of ₦1 million fine each, against each of the defendants, which shall be paid before their release. They shall depart the country within six working days.”
In addition to the fines, the judge ordered that all gadgets used in the commission of the crimes be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The 21 convicts are part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals currently facing prosecution by the Nigeria Police over allegations including cybercrime, money laundering, and activities considered threats to national security.
The convicted individuals, hailing from countries such as China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, were initially arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge. After initially pleading not guilty, they were held in Kuje and Keffi Correctional Centres due to the strict bail conditions imposed, which included ₦1 billion bail and five sureties each with properties valued at ₦200 million.
According to the police, the accused operated a fraudulent, unregistered gaming platform from Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja.
Those convicted 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),
- Shi Hao Jie (28),
- 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),
- Tue Xue Fie (21, female).
Their legal representatives were Linda Ikpeazu and Julius Mba.
They were convicted of unlawfully accessing computer networks and inputting inauthentic data, offences punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes Act. They also faced charges of laundering proceeds from illegal platforms in violation of Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and overstaying their 30-day business permits under Section 44 (1)(c) of the Immigration Act, 2015.
The trial of the remaining 88 defendants is scheduled to continue on October 22 and 23, 2025.
