In a landmark verdict that has reverberated across Nigeria’s digital and legal landscapes, the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced 14 Chinese nationals for their roles in a sophisticated network of cyberterrorism and internet fraud. Delivering judgment on Friday, June 27, 2025, Justice Daniel Osiagor found the defendants guilty after they changed their initial “not guilty” pleas to “guilty” as part of a plea bargain agreement presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The convicted individuals—Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, San Feng Zhang, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi Hao, Liu Chuang, Yu Hai Ging, Zhao Xiao Liang, Dai Li, Tao Kun, Mao Bu Yi, and Zhao Zi Cheng—were each handed a one-year prison sentence with an option of a ₦1 million fine.
“You, Su Zong Gen, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria…” — excerpt from the court charge.
Unveiling a Web of Digital Deceit
The syndicate was apprehended during the EFCC’s high-profile “Eagle Flush Operation” on December 19, 2024, which netted 792 suspects allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that the group orchestrated large-scale online scams, identity theft, and digital espionage, targeting both individuals and institutions within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence of sophisticated hacking tools, encrypted communication devices, and large sums of illicitly obtained digital currencies.
The court heard how the syndicate used advanced techniques to breach corporate and personal accounts, siphoning funds and sensitive data.
According to the EFCC, the operation was “one of the largest coordinated crackdowns on cybercrime in Nigeria’s history,” highlighting the growing threat of international cyber syndicates.
The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated, “This conviction sends a strong message to cybercriminals everywhere: Nigeria will not be a safe haven for those who seek to undermine our digital economy.”
Justice Served, Lessons Learned
Following their conviction, the court ordered the forfeiture of all items recovered from the convicts to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Osiagor also directed the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service to deport the convicts to China within seven days of completing their jail terms.
Legal analysts have praised the swift handling of the case, noting that it sets a precedent for cross-border cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
The case has also sparked renewed calls for tighter cybersecurity regulations and increased public awareness about online scams.
Quote of the Day
“In the digital age, our greatest assets—trust and security—are also our greatest vulnerabilities. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done, especially against those who threaten our collective future.”
— Dr. Ifeoma Okoye, Cybersecurity Expert
This case stands as one of the most prominent cybercrime prosecutions involving foreign nationals in Nigeria, sending a powerful message about the country’s resolve to combat transnational digital crimes and protect its economic and social fabric. As Nigeria continues to strengthen its legal and technological defenses, the conviction of these 14 Chinese nationals marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle to secure the nation’s digital frontier.
