The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned 20 foreign nationals before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos over alleged cybercrime and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s social and economic structure.
The defendants include 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals.
Those arraigned include Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Penguna Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio, among others.
Arraignment and Charges
During the hearing, EFCC prosecution counsel, N.K. Ukoha, requested that the charges be read out for the defendants to enter their plea.
Each of the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Ukoha also noted that Genting International C.O. Limited, the corporate entity linked to the alleged cybercrimes, had no legal representation in court. He urged the court to enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of the company, as permitted under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The EFCC requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.
However, defense counsel sought a short adjournment, expressing willingness to explore a plea bargain with the prosecution.
Court Ruling and Adjournment
After considering the submissions, Justice Kakaki granted the EFCC’s request and ordered the defendants to be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service’s custody pending trial.
The court adjourned the case to March 18 and 20, 2025, for trial proceedings.
Details of the Charges
The two-count charges against the defendants state that:
- On or about December 18, 2024, in Lagos, the accused, along with Genting International C.O. Limited, willfully accessed computer systems with the intent to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structure. The defendants allegedly procured and employed Nigerian youths for identity theft, instructing them to impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain.
- This act constitutes an offense punishable under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).
The EFCC further alleged that:
- The defendants fraudulently impersonated others in December 2024, in Lagos, with the intent to secure financial advantages for their employer.
- This act violates Section 22(2)(b) and Section 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
The case will proceed to trial in March 2025, where the EFCC is expected to present its evidence and witnesses against the accused.
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