14 Chinese Nationals Convicted, Sentenced for Cyberterrorism in Nigeria

14 Chinese Nationals Convicted, Sentenced for Cyberterrorism in Nigeria

ESTHER SALIFU , Abuja

Justice Daniel Osuagor, on Friday, June 27, 2025, delivered judgment on 14 Chinese nationals linked to a cybercrime syndicate, convicting and sentencing them for cyberterrorism and internet fraud at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to a statement posted on its official X handle, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed that the 14 convicts were among 792 suspects arrested for alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance scams targeting Nigerians. The EFCC added that the suspects were part of a cybercrime syndicate busted during a sting operation in Lagos on December 19, 2024.

The convicted Chinese nationals are: 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.

The individuals were arraigned before Justice Daniel Osiagor on separate charges of cyberterrorism and internet fraud. One of the charges stated:
“That 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 destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria…”

Although they initially pleaded not guilty, the defendants changed their plea to guilty during Friday’s proceedings. Prosecution counsel T.J. Banjo and M.S. Owede urged the court to convict them accordingly, with no opposition from the defence.