The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has collaborated with other agencies to deport 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos. This recent deportation brings the total number of foreigners convicted of financial crimes in the state to 192.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the deportation exercise was jointly carried out by the EFCC, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Correctional Service. The deportees, comprising 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, were convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and ponzi scheme operations.
The deportation exercise followes a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, which resulted in the arrest and successful prosecution of 759 suspects. The first batch of 42 convicts, including Chinese and Filipino nationals, was deported on August 15, with subsequent batches following throughout August and September.
The deported convicts include nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. They were deported in coordinated batches between August and mid-October 2025, in accordance with court directives and immigration procedures. The convicts were found to be involved in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes, and had been operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited.
Evidence revealed that the convicted foreigners had been training recruits and managing fraudulent digital platforms aimed at defrauding victims both locally and internationally. The Nigeria Immigration Service deported them as directed by the court, bringing an end to their illegal activities in the country. The EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime and financial fraud in Nigeria have led to the successful prosecution and deportation of a significant number of foreign nationals involved in these crimes.