15 Foreign Nationals Sentenced to Prison in Nigeria for Cyber-Terrorism, Fraud

A federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced 15 foreign nationals to one year in prison each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The ruling, delivered on Friday, followed their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges involving fraudulent documents and cyber-related offences.

The convicted individuals include 11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian, and one Indonesian. Identified as Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Zeng Zerong, Guo Bin, Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (aka Madison), Tan Soon Kar, Fernando Fu Fang, and Beverlyin Gumayo (aka Veb Sumayo), all pleaded guilty to the charges.

The EFCC accused the convicts of operating through Genting International Co. Ltd., a company alleged to have facilitated unauthorised access to computer systems in Lagos in December 2024. According to the charges, the aim was to destabilise Nigeria’s economy and society by engaging local youths in identity theft and impersonation schemes. In one count, Kayceelynn Remorin was accused of fraudulently impersonating an individual named Anastacia Lim for the benefit of her employer.

Prosecuting counsel N.K. Ukoha, T.J. Banjo, and N.C. Mutfwang urged the court to convict the defendants based on a plea bargain. Justices Yellin Bogoro and Alexander Owoeye granted the request, sentencing each individual to one year in prison and a fine of N1,000,000.

The court also directed the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Immigration Service to deport the convicts within seven days after the completion of their prison terms. Additionally, all electronic devices seized during the investigation were ordered to be forfeited to the federal government.