The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned four Chinese nationals before Justices M. Kakaki and Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
According to the EFCC, the defendants are allegedly part of a 792-member syndicate involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams. Their arrest occurred on December 10, 2024, during an operation named ‘Eagle Flush Operation.’
Charges and Court Proceedings
The defendants, Xia Guang Can, Li Xu Xin, Zhang Xue Hui, and Lu Yubo, were charged with internet fraud, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, advance fee fraud, and identity theft.
- Three defendants—Xia Guang Can, Li Xu Xin, and Zhang Xue Hui—were arraigned separately before Justice Kakaki on one-count charges each.
- Lu Yubo faced two-count charges before Justice Faji.
One of the charges against Zhang Xue Hui states:
“That you, Zhang Xue Hui, sometime in December 2024, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, caused to be accessed a computer system used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.”
Similarly, one of the charges against Lu Yubo alleges that he and Genting International Co. Limited recruited Nigerian youths for identity theft and cyber fraud, thereby attempting to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structure.
Court Decisions
The defendants pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecution counsels, Fanen Anum and Ahmed Yerima, to request trial dates and the defendants’ remand in a correctional centre.
- Justice Kakaki scheduled the trial for March 18, 2025, and ordered the remand of the three defendants.
- Justice Faji adjourned Lu Yubo’s trial to March 31 and April 3, 2025, and directed that he be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The case highlights Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on cybercrime, particularly involving international syndicates.
