The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 16 Chinese nationals before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The defendants, including Hu Hui (also known as A Bin), Liao Ri Xing (also known as Li Jun), and Li Qiang (also known as Yang Huan Huan), were part of a group of 792 suspects arrested during the “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by the EFCC in December 2024.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants engaged in activities aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s economy through cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. Specific charges include accessing computer systems to disrupt economic and social structures and possessing fraudulent documents used to deceive online victims by impersonating individuals.
During the court proceedings, all 16 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution, led by counsel Nnaemeka Omewa, requested a trial date and the remand of the defendants in a correctional facility pending the hearing. Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the request, ordering the defendants to be remanded and setting the trial date for June 23, 2025.
This arraignment follows a significant operation by the EFCC in December 2024, where 792 individuals, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, were arrested in Lagos. The suspects were allegedly involved in a large-scale fraud operation that lured victims through social media and messaging platforms, enticing them with fake romance schemes and fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
The EFCC continues to collaborate with international partners to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, aiming to protect Nigeria’s economy and global reputation.
