LAGOS, NIGERIA — A Federal High Court in Ikoyi has sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one year in prison each for involvement in internet fraud and cyber-terrorism.
Justice D. E. Osiagor handed down the ruling after the accused — Li Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng — changed their pleas from not guilty to guilty on June 5, 2025.
The defendants were among 792 suspects arrested in a December 2024 crackdown by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Investigators linked them to fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes and romance scams aimed at undermining Nigeria’s economy.
Each convict was sentenced to one year in prison, effective from December 10, 2024, and fined ₦1 million. After serving their sentences, they are to be deported to China within seven days, as ordered by the court.
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of their phones, laptops, and other digital equipment to the Nigerian government.
Prosecution counsel Nnaemeka Omewa praised the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of accountability in cybercrime cases.
