Thirty-four female foreign nationals, previously held at the Keffi Correctional Facility in Nasarawa State, have been released after meeting their bail conditions. The women, accused of involvement in cybercrime, are among 109 defendants facing trial on six charges related to cyber offenses reportedly committed in the Katampe area of Abuja in 2024.
Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had earlier ordered that male defendants in the case be held at Kuje Prison, while the female defendants were detained at Keffi Prison. The accused, who hail from countries including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, Kuwait, and Thailand, have all pleaded not guilty.
The charges also include allegations of overstaying their business permits and remaining in Nigeria without valid visas.
Marshall Abubakar, a lawyer representing the defendants, confirmed the release, noting he personally accompanied the women back to their residence in Abuja. “The 34 females detained in Keffi prison have been released and are now back to their house in Abuja awaiting trial,” Abubakar stated in a phone interview.
The male defendants held in Kuje Prison have also been granted bail and released.
