The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned another set of foreigners comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence, identity theft, among others.
The foreigners were separately arraigned before four justices of the court: Justice Olayinka Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye.
Ten foreigners were arraigned before Justice Faji, six were arraigned before Justice Aneke, and a total of 16 foreigners were arraigned before Justice Dipeolu, most of them Chinese nationals. Thirteen Filipino nationals were arraigned before Justice Alexander Owoeye.
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty, and the justices ordered that they all be remanded at the correctional facilities pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.
In the charge against them, the defendants were accused of secretly procuring and employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer-related fraud. The offences are punishable under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Trial in the cases has been adjourned to various dates in February and March, with the earliest trial expected to commence on February 7, 2025.
