By M10News – Crime & Security | July 17, 2025
Nigeria: Fifteen Chinese nationals have been convicted and sentenced in Lagos for crimes relating to cyberterrorism and internet fraud, according to a statement from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convictions were secured by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 before two Federal High Court judges in Ikoyi—Justice Ayokunle Faji and Justice Dehinde Dipeolu.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were prosecuted on separate charges involving cybercrime operations targeting both Nigerian and international victims.
The individuals convicted were identified as 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. Notably, the names Yang Sheng and Peng Sen Lin appeared more than once, but EFCC has not clarified if these were duplicate identities or separate individuals with similar names.
“The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentencing of 15 Chinese nationals for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before the Federal High Court in Lagos,” the commission stated.
All defendants were arraigned individually and faced charges aligned with Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, as well as other applicable laws governing financial and online misconduct.
The EFCC stated that its investigation revealed the group operated a coordinated cyber syndicate engaged in identity theft, digital fraud, and other online criminal activities.
Court proceedings spanned several weeks, with evidence presented by the commission including digital forensics, email logs, and recovered devices used in executing online scams.
Judges Faji and Dipeolu reviewed each case before delivering their rulings. Sentences and asset forfeiture orders are expected to be finalised and published in the official court documents.
The commission noted that the successful prosecution highlights its commitment to cracking down on transnational cybercrime rings operating within Nigerian territory.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale praised the legal teams involved, calling the outcome a “milestone victory” in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen digital security and deter international cyber fraud.
He also emphasised that cybercrime remains a top priority for the agency, particularly where foreign nationals exploit Nigeria’s infrastructure to target victims abroad.
While specific sentencing durations for each convict were not disclosed, EFCC stated that the penalties imposed are consistent with current judicial interpretations of cyberterrorism and internet fraud under Nigerian law.
The convictions follow a broader crackdown on cyber-related offences nationwide, with the EFCC reiterating its warning to both local and foreign actors engaged in unlawful digital activities.
M10News has reached out to the defendants’ legal representatives for comment, but no response has been received at the time of publication.
The EFCC says further investigations are ongoing, and more suspects linked to the same cyber network may face prosecution in the coming weeks.
