The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned nine Chinese nationals before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of cybercrime, love scams, and security breaches.
The accused individuals—Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, Ting Liao, Fan Jia, Feng Li Cai, Lu Yong Yao, and Yang Chen Cheng—were charged alongside their company, Genting International Company Limited.
They appeared before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, Justice Aneke ordered their remand at Ikoyi Correctional Centre until their trial begins.
The case has been scheduled for two separate trial dates:
February 21, 2025 – Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, and Ting Liao.
March 14, 2025 – Fan Jia, Feng Li Cai, Lu Yong Yao, and Yang Chen Cheng.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were involved in cyber fraud, financial crimes, and terrorism-related offenses.
One of the charges alleges that Fan Jia (also known as Bu Fan) and Genting International Co. Ltd unlawfully accessed computer systems in December 2024 with the intent to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
This act, prosecutors say, violates the Cybercrimes Act (2015, as amended in 2024) and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022).
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Additionally, Fan Jia is accused of misleading EFCC investigators by providing a false identity during interrogation.
The agency claims he falsely identified himself as “Bu Fan” to evade justice, an offense punishable under the EFCC Establishment Act (2004).
The EFCC has been intensifying its crackdown on cyber-related offenses, particularly romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and online financial crimes.
Officials say this case is part of broader efforts to protect Nigeria’s digital and economic space from criminal exploitation.
With trial dates now fixed, legal proceedings will determine the fate of the accused as the EFCC seeks justice in what could be a landmark case in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime.