The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 20 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged cybercrime and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structure.
The defendants—15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals—were brought before Justice Musa Kakaki on Thursday. Their arraignment follows a December 2024 operation in which the EFCC arrested 193 foreign nationals and 599 Nigerians at the Big Leaf Building in Victoria Island, Lagos, based on credible intelligence.
During the court session, EFCC counsel Nwandu Ukoha requested that the charges be read to the defendants, who, through an interpreter, all pleaded not guilty. Ukoha then urged the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service pending trial.
Defense lawyers Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai opposed the request, asking for a short adjournment to explore the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecution. However, Justice Kakaki upheld the EFCC’s request and ordered the defendants’ remand. The trial has been scheduled for March 18 and 20.
Among those arraigned are Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Penguna Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants, along with GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, accessed computer systems in a manner intended to disrupt Nigeria’s economic and social stability. They are also accused of employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and fraudulently impersonating foreign nationals for financial gain. The charges were brought under sections 18, 22(2)(b), and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
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