Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged 20 foreigners with alleged cyber offences and plans to undermine Nigeria’s economy.
On Thursday, the commission brought the foreigners before Musa Kakaki, the presiding judge, at the High Court in Lagos on separate two-count indictments.
The accused individuals comprise 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese citizens.
The EFCC identified them as Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Pengua Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.
The defendants entered a not-guilty plea to the charges. Following the pleas, N.K. Ukoha, the prosecuting attorney, requested that a not-guilty plea be recorded for the corporate entity referenced in the charges—Genting International Co. Limited—without representation. Ukoha requested that the court hold the defendants in the correctional centre until the trial.
However, Bridget Omoteno and B.A. Ukpai, the attorneys for the defendants, opposed the prosecution’s request. The defence counsel asked the court for a brief postponement so the defendants could consider the possibility of a plea deal with the prosecution.
After listening to both sides, the trial judge ordered the defendants to be held in custody at the correctional facilities and scheduled the next hearing for March 18 and 20.
The defendants were among 792 individuals apprehended in Lagos by EFCC operatives in December 2024.
