The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ,on Friday, arraigned 13 Chinese nationals and a firm, Genting International Co. Limited, before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos, following their alleged involvement in cybercrime.
The defendants, including individuals identified as Wanq Jia Qi (also known as Xiao Tian), Wang Zheng Ming, Liyin Hui, Xiao Hong Will, and Zhang Xiuo Lei, are accused of violating Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
They are charged with accessing computer systems with the intention of destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional structure and engaging in identity theft.
Other accused persons include Ling Yang (also known as Long Shao Ming), Guo Xiao Fei, Yang Sheng, Wang Zheng Feng (also known as Feng), Chen Wenyuan, Liu Sau Hua, Luo Jia You (also known as You), and Rheign Dela Vega (also known as Rheignal).
They were also charged alongside Genting International Co. Limited.
The EFCC’s legal team, led by Director of Legal Affairs, Larry Peters Aso, Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, and two other lawyers, presented the case, detailing how the defendants allegedly employed Nigerian youths for fraudulent activities in order to pose as foreign nationals for financial gain.
When the charges were read to the defendants in Mandarin with the help of an interpreter, they all pleaded not guilty.
One of the defendants, Wang Zheng Ming, requested additional time to hire his own lawyer, rejecting the EFCC-appointed lawyer.
The judge ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Centre pending the hearing of their bail applications.
Another set of foreigners will also face charges in court on Monday.
The case has been adjourned to February 3, 7, 14, and 21 for further trial.
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