A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced eight Chinese nationals to one year in prison for their involvement in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the conviction, which was secured through its Lagos Zonal Directorate. The individuals—Pan Cai Qi, Zeng Xian Tao, Weng Mao Rong, Wang Xiong Wei (aka Xiao Bai), Shi Dong Fu, Wang Shi Long, Liu Ke Fan, and Ting Liao—were part of a syndicate arrested on December 19, 2024, during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation.” The raid targeted a group of 792 suspects linked to cryptocurrency scams and romance fraud.
Initially, the eight pleaded not guilty but later changed their pleas to guilty during Friday’s court session. Prosecuting counsel M.K. Bashir urged the court to convict them based on their new pleas.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke sentenced each defendant to one year in prison and fined them ₦1 million each. He also ordered that any items seized from them be forfeited to the federal government. Upon completing their sentences, the Nigeria Immigration Service has been directed to deport them within seven days.
This latest ruling brings the total number of convicted Chinese nationals in connection to the case to 22, following a previous conviction of 14 others on June 27.
