The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has changed four Chinese nationals before Justices M. Kakaki and Ayokunle Faji, at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The four Chinese are part of a larger syndicate of 792 suspects, involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud, arrested during a surprise operation dubbed “Eagle Flush Operation” on December 10, 2024.
The defendants, Xia Guang Can, Li Xu Xin, and Zhang Xue Hui, faced a single charge before Justice Kakaki, while Lu Yubo was presented with a two- count before Justice Faji.
Their charges include internet fraud, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, advance fee fraud, and identity theft.
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Specifically, the EFCC accused Zhang Xue Hui, of accessing a computer system with the intent to disrupt Nigeria’s economy, an offense under the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
Lu Yubo’s charges involved orchestrating a scheme that employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and fraud.
Upon hearing the charges, all defendants pleaded not guilty.
In response, the prosecution requested trial dates and the detention of the defendants at a Correctional Centre, while the defense sought time to prepare their bail applications.
Justice Kakaki scheduled the trial for March 18, 2025, and ordered the remand of the three defendants.
Similarly, Justice Faji set trial for March 31 and April 3, 2025, and ordered that Yubo, be remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
