The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, arraigned 16 Chinese nationals before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over allegations of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related offences.
The defendants, identified as Hu Hui (a.k.a A Bin), Liao Ri Xing (a.k.a. Li Jun), Li Qiang (a.k.a. Yang Huan Huan), A Wen, Da Tou, Cheng Jian, Cong Bing, Fei Fan, Huxi Heng, Zheng Wei (a.k.a. A Hong), Huang Zhi, Zhang Lei, Sun Zhi Peng, Huang Jin Hui, Wù Hao, and Lu Qiang, were arrested in December 2024 during the EFCC’s large-scale ‘Eagle Flush Operation’ against crypto-currency investment, and romance fraud networks.
The 16 individuals are part of a larger group of 792 suspects apprehended during the operation in Lagos.
They were arraigned on separate charges, including cybercrime, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, advance fee fraud, and identity theft.
One of the charges against Li Qiang, states that he, along with Genting International Company Limited, allegedly accessed a computer system in December 2024 with the intent to destabilize and destroy Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
A similar charge was filed against Hu Xi Heng. Both offences are punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa requested a trial date and asked the court to remand them in a correctional facility.
Justice Osiagor adjourned the case to June 23, 2025, for trial and ordered that the defendants remain in custody until then.
