The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned 17 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before two Federal High Courts in Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged cyber-related crimes aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s economy.
The suspects were brought before Justices Musa Kakaki and Daniel Osiagor on charges ranging from cyber-terrorism, cybercrime, possession of documents containing false pretence, to identity theft.
In a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity at the EFCC, the agency revealed that the accused were among 792 suspects arrested during the December 10, 2024 sting operation code-named “Eagle Flush Operation,” which targeted cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud rings.
The arraigned individuals include Mao Bu Yi, Li Xiang Long, Dai Li, Yu Hai Qing, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi, Hao Tao Kun, Liu Chuang, Zhao Xiao Liang, Ziao Zi Cheng, Zhang San Feng, Li Zhong Chan, Chen Gui Ping, Su Jan Fu, Su Zong Gen, Wang Jie, and Zeng Zerong.
The EFCC stated that while Wang Jie and Zeng Zerong were arraigned before Justice Kakaki, the remaining 15 defendants appeared before Justice Osiagor.
One of the charges against Mao Bu Yi read: “That you, Mao Bu Yi, and Genting International Co. Limited, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully accessed computer systems with the intent to destabilize and destroy the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024).”
Similarly, Wang Jie, also known as Xu Zhong Xiang, was accused of orchestrating identity theft schemes. The charge read: “That you, Wang Jie (a.k.a. Xu Zhong Xiang), and Genting International Co. Limited, between November 29 and December 10, 2024, at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, willfully accessed computer systems to destabilize the social and economic structure of Nigeria, employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other forms of cyber fraud, thereby violating Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015 (as Amended).”
All the defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Prosecution counsel M.S. Owede, T.J. Banjo, A.C. Olowonihi, and N.C. Mutfwang subsequently requested trial dates and that the accused be remanded in a correctional facility.
Justice Kakaki adjourned the case involving Jie and Zerong to March 20, 2025, while Justice Osiagor set June 11, 2025, for the trial of the remaining 15 defendants.
All suspects were ordered to be remanded in a correctional center until their respective trial dates.
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