The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 20 additional foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges related to cybercrime and attempts to undermine Nigeria’s economic and social stability.
Arrest and Charges
The defendants—comprising 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals—were brought before Justice Musa Kakaki.
Their arraignment follows a large-scale EFCC operation in December 2024, during which 193 foreign nationals and 599 Nigerians were arrested at the Big Leaf Building in Victoria Island, Lagos. The crackdown was based on intelligence reports linking them to cybercrime activities.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing, EFCC prosecutor Nwandu Ukoha requested that the charges be read to the defendants, allowing them to enter their pleas. With the aid of an interpreter, the charges were presented, and all defendants pleaded not guilty.
Ukoha then urged the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service pending trial. However, defense lawyers Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai objected, seeking a short adjournment to explore the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecution.
After hearing both arguments, Justice Kakaki ruled in favor of the EFCC’s request, ordering the defendants to remain in custody until trial. The case was adjourned to March 18 and 20 for further proceedings.
Defendants and Allegations
The individuals arraigned include 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, Penguna Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.
The prosecution alleges that, alongside Genting International Co. Limited, the defendants unlawfully accessed computer systems on December 18, 2024, with the intent to disrupt Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
They are accused of recruiting Nigerian youths for identity theft, using their names to impersonate foreign nationals in fraudulent schemes to secure financial advantages.
These offenses violate Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. Additionally, they are charged with impersonation and fraudulent representation, contrary to Section 22(2)(b) and 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act.
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