The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the conviction and sentencing of fifteen Chinese nationals for crimes bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The announcement was made via the EFCC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the convictions were secured before two Federal High Court judges sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos — Justice Ayokunle Faji and Justice Dehinde Dipeolu.
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, Peng Sen Lin (listed twice), Zhao Ying Bin, Yu Zi aka Wei Xue Huan, Zhang Yang, Wang Zhi Cheng, Yang Sheng (listed again), and Lu Yubo.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspects were arraigned on separate charges, all bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, serious offences under Nigerian law that carry significant penalties.
“These convictions demonstrate our resolve to root out cybercrime in all its forms and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to international cyber-security,” the EFCC stated in the release.
The anti-graft agency commended the collaboration between local law enforcement and international partners in unearthing the cybercrime ring and bringing the suspects to justice. It added that this case sends a strong warning to cybercriminals, both local and foreign, that Nigeria’s cybercrime laws will be enforced without prejudice.
The sentencing details, including the length of imprisonment and financial penalties, were not immediately disclosed. However, the EFCC noted that the prosecutions mark a significant milestone in its ongoing war against transnational cybercrime.
This development has been widely seen as a step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to sanitize its digital space and restore global confidence in its anti-corruption and cybersecurity mechanisms.
Credit: @officialEFCC via x.com.
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