Nigeria Deports 21 Foreign Nationals After Cybercrime Convictions

The Nigerian Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals of cybercrime, imposing a N1 million fine on each and ordering their immediate deportation within six working days [1]. The court ruled following a plea bargain agreement between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force, who served as the prosecuting agency. The individuals, part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals facing charges, were found guilty of cybercrime, money laundering, and actions that posed a threat to national security [1].

Court documents revealed that the defendants conspired to commit cybercrimes, gained unlawful access to computer networks, and laundered proceeds from illegal platforms, including 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top. In addition, they violated Nigeria’s Immigration Act of 2015 by overstaying their 30-day business permits [1]. The defendants were arrested on November 3, 2024, at their residence in Abuja, where authorities uncovered a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform used for cybercriminal activities. The National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and Zone 7 Command led the operation, seizing laptops, smartphones, tablets, routers, and passports [1].

Justice Ekerete Akpan, who delivered the verdict, emphasized that the sentence followed the terms of the plea bargain. He stated that the fines were to be paid before the convicts’ release, and their departure from Nigeria was mandatory. Justice Akpan also ordered the forfeiture of all gadgets used in the commission of the crimes to the Federal Government [1]. Among the 21 individuals convicted are nationals from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand [1]. They were represented in court by lawyers Linda Ikpeazu and Julius Mba [1].

The charges against the convicts included aiding and abetting cybercrime, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, and contravening the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Their overstaying of permits was a violation of the Immigration Act, 2015 [1]. The operation highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime syndicates in Nigeria. The use of unregistered platforms for fraud and money laundering demonstrates the challenges law enforcement faces in combating transnational cybercrime [1].

The 109 foreign nationals, including the 21 convicts, were arraigned on November 29, 2024. Justice Akpan granted bail at N1 billion each, with strict conditions requiring each defendant to provide five sureties, each owning landed property worth N200 million in Abuja [1]. Male defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, while female defendants were held at Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State pending bail fulfillment. The 34 female foreign nationals among the 109 were released on December 25, 2024, after meeting their bail conditions [1].

The 21 convicts either failed to meet bail terms or chose to accept the plea bargain, leading to their conviction [1]. This case is part of a broader effort by Nigerian authorities to combat cybercrime, which has increased significantly in recent years. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force have intensified operations targeting both local and foreign perpetrators [1]. In a related case, the EFCC secured convictions of 15 foreign nationals in Lagos on May 30, 2025, for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. These individuals were also fined N1 million each and ordered deported [1].

Another high-profile operation, "Eagle Flush," led to the arrest of 193 foreign nationals and 599 Nigerians in Lagos on December 10, 2024. The EFCC described it as the largest anti-cybercrime operation in its history, targeting a syndicate operating under the guise of Genting International Co. Limited. The group was accused of using over 1,500 laptops and 4,000 phones to perpetrate romance and investment scams targeting victims globally [1]. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to using technology to protect Nigeria’s digital space. The collaboration with international law enforcement agencies and embassies is expected to enhance efforts against transnational cybercrime [1].

The court’s decision sends a clear message that Nigeria is determined to address cybercrime and protect its economic and digital integrity [1]. The enforcement of strict penalties and deportation orders indicates a serious commitment to deterring cybercriminal activities and safeguarding national interests.

Source: [1] Nigeria deports 21 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/68921b37c8d0247f47f33c1b/)