Nigeria Deports 21 Foreign Nationals for Cybercrime Activities
In a significant crackdown on digital fraud, the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and ordered the deportation of 21 foreign nationals involved in cybercrime. The ruling, delivered by Justice Ekerete Akpan, followed a plea bargain agreement reached between the accused and the Nigeria Police Force, the prosecuting agency. Each individual was fined N1 million and mandated to leave Nigeria within six working days. This case highlights the growing challenge of cybercrime in Nigeria and its potential impact on national security.
Details of the Conviction and Charges
The convicted individuals were part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals initially facing charges related to their involvement in high-level cybercrime activities. The charges against them included cybercrime, money laundering, and actions deemed threatening to Nigeria’s national security. Specifically, the court found them guilty of conspiring to commit cybercrimes, unlawfully accessing computer networks, and laundering funds obtained through illegal platforms such as 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top. The defendants also violated Nigeria’s Immigration Act of 2015 by overstaying their 30-day business permits. The case was filed under the case number FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024. This ruling emphasizes the government’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure.
The deportation of these foreign nationals underscores the government’s efforts to combat cybercrime and protect the financial system. The case serves as a stern warning to anyone considering engaging in digital fraud within Nigeria’s borders.
Keywords
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