- 15 Chinese Nationals Jailed In Lagos For Cyberterrorism
- Convictions handed down by two judges in Ikoyi
- Latest ruling follows similar sentencing of 14 Chinese suspects weeks ago
By Grateful Ogunjebe
A Lagos Federal High Court has sentenced 15 Chinese nationals to prison for crimes related to cyberterrorism and internet fraud, following successful prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 secured the conviction before Justices Ayokunle Faji and Dehinde Dipeolu, both sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
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According to an official statement, the suspects were arraigned on separate charges involving cyberterrorism, online scams, and internet-related financial crimes.
The convicted individuals include Ling Yang, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Zheng Ming, Wang Jia Qi, Yang Sheng, Peng Sen Lin, Guo Xiao Fei, Chen An Shun, Zhao Ying Bin, Yu Zi also known as Wei Xue Huan, Zhang Yang, Wang Zhi Cheng, and Lu Yubo.
The commission noted that some names appeared more than once due to similar identities being used across multiple charges.
EFCC prosecutors presented evidence linking the suspects to a complex cyber syndicate targeting both local and international victims through identity theft and digital espionage.
The courts found all defendants guilty as charged and imposed jail terms in accordance with Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and other applicable legislation.
Although the exact sentencing durations and forfeiture details were not immediately disclosed, the rulings represent a significant milestone in Nigeria’s crackdown on cybercrime.
This latest conviction comes just weeks after 14 other Chinese nationals were jailed for similar offences by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, also in Lagos.
Those earlier convicts included Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, and Jia Zhi Hao, among others.
In that case, the EFCC had alleged that the syndicate ran an organised cyber network engaged in online fraud, identity breaches, and financial sabotage.
Justice Osiagor found them guilty and sentenced each according to their offence, based on overwhelming digital and forensic evidence presented during trial.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to dismantling transnational fraud rings exploiting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure for illicit gains.
The convictions also reinforce growing regional cooperation between Nigeria and international law enforcement agencies in tackling global cybercrime.
As of press time, the Chinese Embassy has not released an official response regarding the convictions of its nationals in Nigeria.
Legal experts hailed the rulings as a warning to foreign syndicates operating within West Africa that cybercrime will not go unpunished.
The EFCC urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activity, assuring Nigerians that more prosecutions are underway.
