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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday convicted 21 foreign nationals for their involvement in cybercrime and related offences, imposing a fine of N1 million on each and ordering their deportation within six working days.
Justice Ekerete Akpan delivered the judgment after the court adopted a plea bargain agreement reached between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force. The judge confirmed that the agreement was entered into voluntarily and formed the basis of the sentencing.
“After the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged. The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of N1 million fine each, which must be paid before their release. They shall depart the country within six working days,” Justice Akpan ruled.
The court further ordered that all electronic devices 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 being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police on charges bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and violations of Nigerian immigration laws. The group was arrested earlier this year in connection with a sophisticated online fraud operation allegedly based at Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja.
Prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to carry out cybercrime activities, unlawfully accessed computer networks, and inputted false data into digital systems. They were further accused of laundering proceeds derived from illegal online gaming platforms, including 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top, and of overstaying their 30-day business visas—an offence under Nigerian immigration law.
The 21 convicted individuals include Yang Yang (33), Li Xiao Fen (41), Zheng Peng Zhan (28), Shu Huan (20), Feng Guo (29), Zhao Yifan (31), Mahunan (26), Wang Yi Bo (24), Chen Yan Qi (26), Shi Hao Jie (28), and Jupanpan (25), all represented by counsel Linda Ikpeazu. Others are 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), and Tue Xue Fie (21), who were represented by Julius Mba.
Initially, all 109 defendants had pleaded not guilty when arraigned in 2024 under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024. They were remanded at the Kuje and Keffi Correctional Centres, as they were unable to meet stringent bail conditions set in November 2024. The bail terms included a N1 billion bond and five sureties each, holding landed properties worth at least N200 million.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, defence counsel Linda Ikpeazu confirmed to the court that the fines would be paid immediately. “My lord, we are going to pay in the next five minutes,” she said.
Lead prosecuting counsel A.A. Egwu appeared for the Inspector-General of Police. The case was adjourned to October 22 and 23, 2025, for the continuation of trial for the remaining 88 defendants.