Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned 20 foreign nationals for alleged involvement in cybercrimes and attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s economy.
Gatekeepers News reports that on Thursday, the individuals were arraigned on separate two-count charges before Judge Musa Kakaki at the federal high court in Lagos. Among the defendants are 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals, identified 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.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel N.K. Ukoha requested that the court also enter a plea of not guilty for Genting International Co. Limited, a corporate entity linked to the case, which had no legal representation present.
Ukoha requested that the court remand the defendants in a correctional facility while awaiting trial. However, defense counsels Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai opposed this request, seeking a short adjournment to facilitate discussions regarding a potential plea bargain with the prosecution.
After considering the submissions, the trial judge ordered the defendants to be remanded in custody and scheduled the next hearings for March 18 and 20. These individuals were part of a larger group of 792 suspects arrested by EFCC operatives in Lagos in December 2024.
