Kehinde Fajobi
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to 109 foreign nationals accused of cybercrime, money laundering, and illegal residency in Nigeria.
The suspects, who had been remanded in prison custody, were ordered to pay an aggregate bail sum of ₦1 billion.
Justice Ekerete Akpan, delivering the ruling, directed each defendant to provide five sureties, each with ₦200 million in value.
The sureties must own properties within Abuja worth no less than ₦200 million and provide title deeds to the court for verification.
“All sureties must depose to an affidavit of means, and their residential addresses will be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of this court,” the judge said.
The court also mandated the suspects to surrender their international passports and remain in Nigeria throughout their trial.
Both the defendants and their sureties are required to submit two recent passport photographs.
The male suspects are being held in Kuje Prison, while the female suspects are detained in Keffi Prison, Nasarawa State, pending fulfilment of their bail terms.
The case, involving suspects from China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar, was adjourned to 27 February 2025 for trial.
The suspects face a six-count charge filed by the Cybercrime Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendants operated an unregistered gambling platform and engaged in cybercrimes that caused significant financial losses in Nigeria and abroad.
The prosecution also accused them of illegally residing in Nigeria after overstaying their business permits and committing money laundering offences by transferring proceeds from their activities abroad.
The charge sheet stated, “The defendants conspired among themselves to commit cybercrime, contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015 (as amended).”
The suspects, through their lawyers Dr Ogwu Onoja (SAN) and Eric Oba, assured the court of their willingness to face trial and not flee Nigeria.
Prosecution counsel A.A. Egwu left the bail conditions to the court’s discretion but requested terms that would ensure the suspects’ attendance in court.
The suspects pleaded not guilty after the charges were translated into their respective languages by interpreters. Five Brazilian defendants requested separate trials.
Full List of Defendants
The following individuals were named in the charge sheet:
Hanfu E, Chen Slin, Yang Yang, Peng Guang, Yan Ha Wen, Wang Shan Jun, Wang Zhan, Hang G, U Xlao Fen, Xiegang Bing, Zheng Peng Zhan, Shut At, Jupanpan, Wang Zha Zhou Tong, Fens Guo, Lichang Miao, Huang Da Dian, His Ming, Li Fang, Zhao Vifan, Wu Chao, Cal Jun Ping, Wei Jun, Mahunan, Ye Um Feng, Al Tun, A Feng, Xiao Bei, Lin Wet Lie, Yun Ha, Li Fei, Xiao Ling Qing, Ye Jun Shan, Sun Qang Qiang, Chen Ming Lie, Chen Lia Lia, Zheng Han Feng, Zhang Xiong Sheng, Niu Zhi, Chen Brao, Cuivi Fei, Li Chang, Wang Shou Cheng, Hua Lian Guo, Zheng Peng Fei, Ling Zhe Ming, Wang Xur Ze, Wei Tang, Wang Hao, Wang Y Bo, Cheng Xing, Wang Yong Xing, Chen Yan Qi, Yang Xu Gung, Zhu Jiu Hui, Shi Hag Jie, Zhou Kia Lal, Xie Pan, Tu Xue File, Zixi Chen, Cheng Zeng Bin (Chinese nationals);
Maydianto and Linda Wati (Indonesians);
Dan The Anh, Chal Tu Cuong, Nguyen Dac Duoc, Nguyen Thi Sen, Tran Van Khaih, Nguyen Van Hal, Hoang Le Chien, Vu Xuan Hiep, Ngo Van Hung, Hoang Van Thanh, Nguyen Manh Duc, Tran Van Luc, Phan Duc Thien, Phan Viet Dung, Trieu Van Pu, Pham Thite Uyen, To A Si, Vi Phi Nghi, Dinh Thi Qynh, Sa Thi Gam, Pham Trong Thanu, and Ho The Huong (Vietnam nationals);
Jay Mhar Avile Delos Reyes, John Mark Aviles Delos Reyes, Jeffery Ama, Asriya S. Ahmad, Charie Cervartes, Jamel Pabili Aviles, Airah Ivy Lacerna Defeo, Angelica Tayao Ama, and Lovely Eidly Tayao Ama (Philippine nationals);
Panupong Wanasak, Aatairat See Ni, Laongdao Saeguang, Achalar Saeyang, and Galin Suphaaut (Thai nationals);
See Yixiong, Loh Wai Fong, and Lee Chee Hau (Malaysians);
Wai Thon Tun and Khun Chan Min Paing See (Myanmar nationals).
Police said the suspects were apprehended at a property in Katampe District, Abuja, where they reportedly marketed fake gambling platforms such as 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top, causing financial losses to unsuspecting victims.
Their actions allegedly breached the Cybercrimes Act, Money Laundering Act, and Immigration Act. Investigations are ongoing to establish further links to organised crime.