A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals for high-level cybercrime, fining each of them N1 million.
The convicts, from countries including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, were arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and actions deemed threats to Nigeria’s national security.
Justice Ekerete Akpan ordered the convicts to pay a fine of N1 million each before their release and depart Nigeria within six working days.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of all gadgets used in the commission of the crimes to the Federal Government.
The sentence was based on the agreed terms of the plea bargain reached between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force.
The convicts were charged with unlawful access to a computer network and input of inauthentic data, money laundering, and overstaying their 30-day business permits.
The police alleged that the accused operated a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform out of Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja.
The defendants initially pleaded not guilty and were remanded in Kuje and Keffi Correctional Centres, pending fulfillment of stringent bail conditions, including N1 billion bail and five sureties with N200 million worth of landed property each.
The matter was adjourned to October 22 and 23 for the continuation of the trial of the remaining 88 defendants.
