A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals over high-level cybercrime activities in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that Justice Ekerete Akpan, who presided over the matter, fined each convict ₦1 million and ordered their immediate departure from the country within six working days.
Delivering judgement on Tuesday, Justice Akpan said the sentence followed a plea bargain agreement entered into voluntarily by the defendants and the Nigeria Police Force.
“After the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged. The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of a ₦1 million fine each against each of the defendants, which shall be paid before their release. They shall depart the country within six working days,” the judge ruled.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of all gadgets used in the commission of the crimes to the Federal Government.
The 21 convicts are among 109 foreign nationals currently facing prosecution by the Inspector-General of Police for cybercrime, money laundering, and offences considered threats to Nigeria’s national security.
According to court records, the convicted individuals hail from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. They were arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge before opting for the plea bargain.
Justice Akpan stressed that the convicts must complete payment of their fines before release and leave Nigeria within six working days as part of the judgement.
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