A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced 15 Chinese nationals for their involvement in cyberterrorism and internet fraud, following successful prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released by the EFCC, its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 secured the convictions before Justices Ayokunle Faji and Dehinde Dipeolu, who presided over the separate cases at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi.
The convicted individuals are: Ling Yang, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Zheng Ming, Wang Jia Qi, Yang Sheng, Peng Sen Lin, Guo Xiao Fei, Chen An Shun, Zhao Ying Bin, Yu Zi (also known as Wei Xue Huan), Zhang Yang, Wang Zhi Cheng, and Lu Yubo. Notably, the names Peng Sen Lin and Yang Sheng appeared more than once in the EFCC’s report.
They were each arraigned on separate charges related to cyberterrorism and internet-related offences, with the commission citing evidence of coordinated digital fraud schemes and activities that posed threats to cybersecurity.
This latest ruling comes shortly after a similar conviction of 14 other Chinese nationals by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the same court. In that earlier case, the EFCC had uncovered a well-organized cyber syndicate engaged in identity theft, online scams, and acts of digital espionage.
Justice Osiagor found all 14 defendants guilty and handed down sentences in accordance with Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and other relevant laws. The court is expected to release further details on sentencing terms and possible asset forfeitures.
The EFCC described the development as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s crackdown on transnational cybercrime networks.
