EFCC arraigns 20 foreigners for alleged cybercrimes, plot to destabilise Nigeria’s economy

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 20 foreigners over alleged cybercrimes and plots to destabilise the economy of Nigeria.

The commission arraigned the foreigners on Thursday on separate two-count charges before Musa Kakaki, the presiding judge, at the federal high court in Lagos.

The defendants include 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals.

The EFCC identified them as 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 Pengua Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.

“That the defendants and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court wilfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when they procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024),” the part of the charge sheet reads.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

After the plea, N.K. Ukoha, the prosecution counsel, asked that the plea of not guilty be entered against the corporate body linked to the charge—Genting International Co. Limited—which was not represented by any person.

Ukoha prayed that the court should remand the defendants to the correctional centre pending the trial.

But Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai, counsels to the defendants, opposed the prosecution counsel.

The counsels pleaded to the court for a short adjournment to enable the defendants to explore the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecution.

After listening to the parties, the trial judge remanded the defendants in the custody of the correctional centres and adjourned the case to March 18 and 20.

The defendants were among the 792 suspects arrested in Lagos by the EFCC operatives in December 2024.