The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 20 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of cybercrime and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s economy. The defendants include 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals, who were part of a larger group arrested in December 2024 during a raid on the Big Leaf Building in Victoria Island.
The EFCC accused the defendants and a linked company, Genting International Co. Limited, of orchestrating schemes involving identity theft by recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain. These activities allegedly violated sections of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).
During the court session presided over by Justice Musa Kakaki, all defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution requested their remand in custody pending trial, a motion opposed by defense counsel Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai, who sought time to explore a plea bargain. However, Justice Kakaki ordered their remand and adjourned the trial to March 18 and 20, 2025.
