A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 59 foreign nationals for their roles in a major cybercrime syndicate uncovered by Nigeria’s Police National Cybercrime Centre, the police said on Thursday.
The convicts, identified as citizens of China and Malaysia, were among 130 suspects arrested during a police raid on a building in Abuja’s Jahi district on Nov. 3, 2024.
Police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin said in a statement that the suspects comprised 113 foreigners and 17 Nigerians accused of large-scale internet fraud, hacking, and other offences threatening Nigeria’s cybersecurity.
The latest ruling brings the total number of convicted suspects in the case to 85, following the sentencing of 21 members in August and five others in September, Hundeyin said.
He said the convictions followed the presentation of digital forensic evidence that linked the individuals to the crimes.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun described the convictions as “a major step” in Nigeria’s effort to combat cybercrime.
“These convictions send a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for cybercriminal enterprises,” Egbetokun said, according to the statement.
He added that the police would continue to strengthen international collaborations and use advanced technology to dismantle organised cybercrime networks.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service have also repatriated 102 convicted foreign nationals since August as part of a wider crackdown on cybercrime, including 51 deported in August alone, mostly Chinese nationals.
Authorities say the convictions and repatriations are part of ongoing efforts to curb the surge in online fraud and cyber-terrorism threatening national security.