9 Chinese Nationals Jailed for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

By Olatunji Adesina

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and jailing of nine Chinese nationals for offences relating to cyberterrorism and internet fraud. The verdict was delivered on Friday, July 18, 2025, by Justices Chukwuemeka Aneke and Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Names of Convicted Individuals

• Deng Wen Quang
• Lin Jin
• Shi Yang Xiong
• Lu Yong Yao
• Yang Chen Cheng
• Feng Li Cai
• Li Niue
• Li Kuang Kuang
• Dan Jia (a.k.a. Bu Fan)

All nine convicts were arraigned on separate charges that included willful unauthorized access to computer systems with the intent to destabilize and destroy Nigeria’s economic and social structures. According to court records, they organized and procured Nigerian youths to carry out identity theft and impersonation schemes to obtain financial benefits, in violation of Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).

Upon reading of the charges, all suspects pleaded guilty. The prosecution, represented by counsels M.K. Bashir, Babatunde Sonoiki, and B.M. Isha, urged the court to convict the defendants and sought an order for the forfeiture of all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.

Sentencing and Orders

The court found all defendants guilty as charged. Each was sentenced to one year imprisonment with an option of a ₦1,000,000 fine. Additionally, the court directed the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure the repatriation of the convicts to China within seven days of their release from prison. All exhibits and recovered assets linked to the offence were ordered to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Background

The convictions are part of a wider crackdown by the EFCC against syndicates operating cybercrimes and internet fraud. Over 700 suspects, both local and foreign, have reportedly been arrested in Lagos as part of ongoing operations in late 2024 and 2025 targeting international romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud rings.

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Highlights

• Duration of Jail Term: 1 year with a ₦1,000,000 fine
• Deportation: To be executed within 7 days post-sentence completion
• Recovered Assets: Forfeited to Nigerian government
• Legal Reference: Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024)

The EFCC reaffirmed its determination to rid Nigeria of cybercrime and maintain the integrity of its financial system.

This report reflects the latest development in the EFCC’s ongoing fight against cyber-related crimes in Nigeria.