By: Bayero Ade
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought nine Chinese nationals before a Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of cybercrime, fraud, and security breaches.
According to Afripost, The accused individuals, along with their company, Genting International Company Limited, were arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on multiple charges related to cyber-related offenses and economic sabotage.
The defendants—Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, Ting Liao, Fan Jia, Feng Li Cai, Lu Yong Yao, and Yang Chen Cheng—pleaded not guilty to the charges during their court appearance. Following their plea, Justice Aneke ordered their remand at Ikoyi Prison until their trials.
The court set two separate trial dates: February 21, 2025, for Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, and Ting Liao, while Fan Jia, Feng Li Cai, Lu Yong Yao, and Yang Chen Cheng are scheduled to appear on March 14, 2025.
According to the EFCC, Fan Jia, also known as Bu Fan, along with Genting International Co. Limited, allegedly gained unauthorized access to computer systems in December 2024 to undermine Nigeria’s economic and security frameworks. The prosecution stated that this act violates Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Furthermore, the EFCC accused Fan Jia and the company of providing misleading information to investigators, allegedly falsifying personal details to obstruct law enforcement efforts. The agency claimed the suspects were linked to fraudulent activities, including online scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and other cyber offenses, violating Section 39(2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
The trial will proceed as scheduled, with the court set to determine the fate of the accused individuals in the coming months.
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