21 foreign nationals have been found guilty of high-level cybercrime activities in Nigeria by an Abuja-based Federal High Court.
Judge Ekerete Akpan, who oversaw the case, reportedly fined each prisoner ₦1 million and mandated that they leave the nation right away within six working days.
In his Tuesday ruling, Justice Akpan stated that the defendants and the Nigeria Police Force freely agreed into a plea bargain arrangement, which led to the sentencing.
“I hereby convict you as charged after the defendants freely engaged into the plea bargain arrangement. The parties’ agreement that each defendant will pay a fine of ₦1 million before being released will serve as the basis for the punishment. The judge ordered them to leave the country within six working days.
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Additionally, the court mandated that any devices involved in the offenses be turned over to the federal government.
The Inspector-General of Police is now prosecuting 109 foreign nationals, including the 21 convicted individuals, for offenses deemed to be threats to Nigeria’s national security, money laundering, and cybercrime.
The convicted people are from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, according to court documents. Prior to accepting the plea deal, they were charged with six counts and arraigned in 2024.
As part of the ruling, Justice Akpan emphasized that the prisoners must pay their fines in full before being released and depart Nigeria within six working days.
