The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 16 additional Chinese nationals before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges related to cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s economy.
The suspects appeared before Justice Daniel Osiagor on Tuesday, facing multiple charges, including cybercrimes, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.
Background of the Case
The accused individuals—Hu Hui (a.k.a A Bin), Liao Ri Xing (a.k.a Li Jun), Li Qiang (a.k.a Yang Huan Huan), A Wen, Da Tou, Cheng Jian, Cong Bing, Fei Fan, Huxi Heng, Zheng Wei (a.k.a A Hong), Huang Zhi, Zhang Lei, Sun Zhi Peng, Huang Jin Hui, Wù Hao, and Lu Qiang—were part of a larger group of 792 cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” on December 10, 2024, in Lagos.
Charges Against the Defendants
According to prosecution counsel Nnaemeka Omewa, the defendants allegedly used computer systems to destabilize and damage Nigeria’s economy and social structure.
One of the defendants, Li Qiang (a.k.a Yang Huan Huan), along with Genting International Co. Ltd, was accused of:
- Accessing a computer system for malicious purposes, violating Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.
- Possessing fraudulent documents, including fake online chat formats used to impersonate a female model to defraud victims, an offense under Sections 6, 8(b), and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, No.14 of 2006.
Similarly, Hu Xi Heng and Genting International Co. Ltd were charged with illegally accessing computer systems to destabilize Nigeria’s economy.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
All 16 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court. The prosecution requested a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in custody.
Justice Daniel Osiagor subsequently ordered their remand in the Nigerian Correctional Service Center and adjourned the trial to June 23, 2025.
The EFCC continues its crackdown on cybercrime and has vowed to prosecute all individuals involved in large-scale internet fraud and economic sabotage.
