LAGOS, NIGERIA — The Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced 15 Chinese nationals for various cybercrime offences, marking another significant milestone in Nigeria’s intensifying campaign against internet fraud.
In a notice issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the suspects were arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji and Justice Dehinde Dipeolu on separate charges related to cyberterrorism, identity theft, and online scams. The charges were brought under the Cybercrimes Act (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) 2015 (as amended 2024) and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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 aka Wei Xue Huan
Zhang Yang
Wang Zhi Cheng
Yang Sheng (listed twice)
Lu Yubo
All 15 were sentenced to one year in prison, alongside a fine of ₦1 million each. Upon completion of their prison terms, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has been directed to deport them to China within seven days.
Part of Larger Crackdown
This conviction comes in the wake of the “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by the EFCC in December 2024, where a syndicate involving 792 alleged cryptocurrency and romance fraud suspects—including Chinese and Filipino nationals—was dismantled.
The sentencing also underscores the impact of Nigeria’s updated Cybercrimes Act, amended in 2024 to enhance enforcement and penalties for digital crimes.
Rising Cyber Threats in Nigeria
Cybercrime continues to pose a significant challenge in Nigeria. A 2024 World Cybercrime Index ranked Nigeria 5th globally in cybercrime activities, trailing behind Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC):
Over 25 million Nigerians have been affected by cybercrime.
The country suffers estimated annual losses of ₦250 billion (~$500 million) due to phishing, SIM swaps, malware, and identity theft.
Root Causes & Government Action
Analysts point to unemployment, poverty, and the lure of quick financial gain as key drivers of cybercrime. Easy access to hacking tools and internet anonymity has emboldened many, especially among youth.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s efforts at tackling fraud through legal reform, coordinated sting operations, and cross-border crackdowns show a renewed commitment to restoring global trust in its digital ecosystem.
