A Federal High Court in Nigeria has ordered the remand of 109 foreign nationals accused of cybercrime-related activities in prison custody. The suspects, who were apprehended during a nationwide crackdown on cybercriminal syndicates, are facing multiple charges, including fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized access to computer systems.
According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly orchestrated a series of sophisticated cyberattacks targeting financial institutions, government databases, and private businesses. Authorities claim the group’s activities have caused significant economic losses, both locally and internationally.
Speaking during the court session on November 23, 2024, the lead prosecutor detailed the gravity of the charges. “These individuals are part of an organized cybercrime network responsible for hacking operations across multiple countries. Their activities have compromised critical systems and defrauded countless victims,” he stated.
The suspects, who hail from various foreign countries, were reportedly arrested following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering by security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Investigators revealed that the hackers employed advanced techniques, such as phishing schemes and malware attacks, to infiltrate secure networks.
Defense counsel for some of the accused argued that their clients were unlawfully detained and denied access to legal representation during the investigation. They urged the court to grant bail, citing a lack of concrete evidence linking the suspects to the alleged crimes.
However, the presiding judge denied the bail applications, citing the severity of the allegations and the risk of flight by the accused. The court ordered that the suspects remain in custody pending further hearings and directed the prosecution to expedite its case.
The case has drawn significant public and international attention, given the global implications of cybercrime and its impact on economic stability. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to tackling cybercriminal activities and called on citizens to remain vigilant against online fraud.
The trial is expected to resume in the coming weeks as prosecutors prepare to present detailed evidence linking the suspects to the alleged offenses.
