Twelve Filipino Women Jailed in Lagos for Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud

A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has sentenced twelve Filipino women to one year in prison each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. Justice Yellin Bogoro delivered the verdict on Friday, May 23, 2025, following their arraignment by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The convicted individuals are Anjeanette Topacio, Gladys Joy Mag-Iba, Jean Calago, Shairah Mae Reyes, Roseann Gonzales, Lari Jane Tayag, Mary Grace De La Cruz, Krystel Aquilesca, Jonilyn Agulto, Paizza Camara, Vivian Pionella, and Jonalyn Mendoza. Each faced separate charges relating to possession of fraudulent documents and involvement in schemes aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s economic and social systems.

One of the charges detailed how Anjeanette Topacio allegedly orchestrated cyberattacks and recruited Nigerian youths for identity theft, impersonating foreign nationals for financial gain. Another charge described how Shairah Mae Reyes used the Telegram app to pose falsely as a UK-based woman for fraudulent purposes.

All twelve pleaded guilty to the charges. In response, EFCC prosecutors N.K. Ukoha and H.U. Kofarnaisa urged the court to convict them under the terms of a plea bargain reached with the Commission.

Justice Bogoro imposed a one-year prison term on each defendant and a fine of one million naira. He further ordered that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, arrange for their repatriation to the Philippines within seven days of completing their sentences. Devices recovered during the investigation were also ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.