Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced four Filipino nationals and eight Nigerians to one year in prison for their involvement in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The convicts, including Reyna Mae Eriba, Chyna Samonte, Zara Fabian, and Dominique Medina from the Philippines, were part of a group of 729 suspects arrested in December 2024 during a raid in Lagos linked to a sophisticated Ponzi scheme and cyber-terrorism activities.
The Nigerians convicted alongside them include Chidera Ezechukwu, Favour Oluchukwu, Egwenum Ifeanyi, David Okezie, Gbenga Shittu Solomon, Ibraheem Olamilekan, Chinecherem Michael, and Oghomienor Jotham.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the suspects exploited young Nigerians in identity theft and online dating scams, with proceeds traced to various bank accounts, including one holding over N12 billion.
All twelve pleaded guilty to charges of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and money laundering under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and Terrorism Prevention Act.
Justice Bogoro ordered the forfeiture of all recovered assets to the Federal Government and directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to repatriate the Filipino convicts after serving their sentences. The court also allowed fines as alternatives to imprisonment for some Nigerian convicts.
EFCC prosecution counsel Anita Imo emphasized the serious threat posed by such cybercrimes to Nigeria’s economic and social stability.
This judgment sends a strong message against cybercrime and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to combating internet fraud and terrorism.
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