The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 convicted 21 foreign nationals for cybercrime-related offences and imposed a fine of ₦1 million on each of them.
The court also ordered their immediate deportation from Nigeria within six working days.
Presiding judge, Justice Ekerete Akpan, delivered the ruling after approving a plea bargain agreement between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force. He confirmed that the plea bargain was entered voluntarily and formed the basis for the sentence.
“After the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged,” Justice Akpan stated. “The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of ₦1 million fine each, which shall be paid before their release. They shall depart the country within six working days.”
When asked about payment, defence counsel Linda Ikpeazu assured the court, “My lord, we are going to pay in the next five minutes.”
The 21 convicted individuals, identified as nationals from countries including China, Vietnam, and Thailand, are part of a larger group of 109 foreign defendants being prosecuted in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024. They were arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge including cybercrime, money laundering, and immigration violations.
Prosecutors allege that the group operated an illegal gaming and cybercrime syndicate from Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja. They were accused of running a “fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform” and laundering proceeds through illegal online platforms like 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top.
Among other charges, they were accused of: Aiding and abetting cybercrime (Section 27(1)(b), Cybercrimes Act, 2015), Unlawful access to computer networks and input of false data (Section 13, Cybercrimes Act), Laundering proceeds from illegal online activities (Section 18, Money Laundering Act, 2022), Overstaying business visas (Section 44(1)(c), Immigration Act, 2015).
Justice Akpan also ruled that all electronic gadgets and tools used in the commission of the crimes be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The defendants were represented by counsels Linda Ikpeazu and Julius Mba, while A.A. Egwu led the prosecution on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police.
The trial of the remaining 88 defendants has been scheduled to continue on October 22 and 23, 2025.
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