Nine Chinese Nationals Jailed in Lagos for Cybercrime, Face Imminent Deportation

A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced nine Chinese citizens to one year in prison after they were found guilty of engaging in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The judgment, delivered by Justice D. E. Osiagor on Thursday, June 5, 2025, followed guilty pleas by the defendants during the hearing.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revealed that the convicts were arrested in December 2024 during a coordinated sting operation targeting cybercriminals.

According to the EFCC, the group is part of a broader network involving 792 suspects linked to cryptocurrency scams and romance-based fraud schemes.

The convicted individuals—identified as Li Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng—were charged in February 2025.

The charges focused on unauthorized access to computer systems with the aim of undermining Nigeria’s economic and social structures, in violation of Section 27 (1)(b) and punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.

Following their guilty pleas, EFCC prosecutor Nnaemeka Omewa requested immediate sentencing, which went uncontested by the defence counsel.

Justice Osiagor imposed a one-year prison sentence on each defendant, retroactive to their arrest on December 10, 2024. Additionally, each individual was fined ₦1,000,000.

The court also ordered that all nine be deported to China within seven days of completing their jail terms.

Devices seized during the arrest—including mobile phones, laptops, computers, and routers—were ordered forfeited to the Nigerian government.