A Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria, has remanded 13 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Limited, over alleged cybercrime, identity fraud, and attempts to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
Justice Denide Dipeolu issued the remand order on Friday after the defendants pleaded not guilty to charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC’s legal team, led by Director of Legal Aso Peters, filed charges under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).
The defendants, arrested on December 10, 2024, at their hideout on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, were accused of engaging in fraudulent activities, including using fake identities to defraud victims and training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in cyber-related crimes.
Following their pleas, the court scheduled trial dates for February 3, 14, and 21, 2025. The two female defendants were remanded at Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre, while the others were taken to Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
One of the accused, Liu San Hua, was specifically charged with recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial fraud, while another, Zhang Xiao Lei, was alleged to have used computer systems to commit cybercrimes targeting Nigeria’s stability.
The EFCC stated that the charges highlight serious threats to Nigeria’s security and financial integrity. The case has been adjourned to February 3 for trial.
