A Nigerian court has sentenced 21 foreign nationals to fines and deportation following their conviction for involvement in high-level cybercrimes impacting national security. Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued the ruling, which included a ₦1 million (approximately $700 USD) penalty for each defendant and an order to leave Nigeria within six working days. The judgment stemmed from a plea bargain agreement between the accused and the Nigeria Police Force.
In his verdict, Justice Akpan emphasized that the defendants accepted the plea deal voluntarily. “The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement,” he stated, mandating payment of fines prior to release. The court also confiscated electronic devices linked to the crimes, transferring ownership to the Nigerian government. The convicts, from China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, were part of a broader 2024 case involving 109 foreign nationals facing charges ranging from cyberfraud and money laundering to activities threatening national security.
Authorities described the group’s operations as sophisticated, leveraging technology to undermine financial systems and digital infrastructure. While 21 individuals have been sentenced, trials for the remaining defendants continue. The case highlights Nigeria’s escalating efforts to combat transnational cybercrime, a priority amid rising global concerns over online financial fraud and data breaches.
Prosecutors noted the plea agreements aimed to expedite justice and reduce legal costs, though critics argue such deals risk leniency for serious offenses. Local media outlet Media Talk Africa reported that the six charges against the defendants included identity theft, unauthorized data access, and orchestration of cross-border financial scams.
Nigeria has increasingly collaborated with international law enforcement agencies to address cybercrime networks, which often span multiple continents. This case marks one of the largest multinational prosecutions in the country’s recent history, reflecting stricter enforcement of cybersecurity laws. Analysts suggest the deportations signal Nigeria’s intent to deter foreign nationals from exploiting its digital landscape for criminal activities, while reinforcing accountability for threats to national stability.
