Four Chinese nationals were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, 18th February, facing charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The defendants appeared before Justices M. Kakaki and Ayokunle Faji. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges they are part of a larger 792-member syndicate involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance scams.
They were apprehended on 10th December 2024, during “Eagle Flush Operation” in Lagos.
Xia Guang Can, Li Xu Xin, and Zhang Xue Hui were each charged with one count before Justice Kakaki, while Lu Yubo faced two counts before Justice Faji. The charges encompass internet fraud, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretences, advance fee fraud, and identity theft.
Zhang Xue Hui’s charge specifically accuses him of accessing a computer system in December 2024 with the intent to destabilise Nigeria’s economy and social structure, an offence punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes Act.
Lu Yubo’s charges include wilfully accessing a computer system on or about 11th December 2024, at Victoria Island, Lagos, organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by allegedly procuring and employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer-related fraud, a violation of Section 18 of the Cybercrimes Act (as amended).
All four defendants pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsels Fanen Anum and Ahmed Yerima requested trial dates and the remand of the defendants in a correctional centre. Defence counsel requested a short adjournment to file bail applications.
Justice Kakaki adjourned the trial for Can, Xin, and Hui to 18th March 2025, and ordered their remand. Justice Faji adjourned Yubo’s trial to 31st March and 3rd April 2025, and remanded him to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
