By Anas Abbas
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against 20 foreign nationals accused of engaging in cybercrimes aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s economy.
The arraignment took place on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Judge Musa Kakaki.
Among those charged are 15 individuals from the Philippines, one from Indonesia, and four from China.
The defendants have been identified as Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Pengua Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants, along with the corporate entity Genting International Co. Limited, allegedly accessed computer systems on December 18, 2024, with the intent to significantly disrupt Nigeria’s economic and social structures.
They reportedly recruited local youths for identity theft and misrepresented themselves as foreign nationals to gain financial benefits, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act of 2015 (as amended in 2024).
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, N.K. Ukoha, representing the prosecution, requested that the court also enter a not guilty plea for Genting International Co. Limited, which was not present in court.
Ukoha urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility until the trial commenced.
In response, defense attorneys Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai opposed the prosecution’s request and sought a brief adjournment to allow their clients to consider a potential plea bargain.
After considering both sides, Judge Kakaki ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody and scheduled the next hearing for March 18 and 20.
These individuals were among 792 suspects apprehended by EFCC operatives in Lagos during a crackdown in December 2024.