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Cybercrime: Court Fines 21 Foreign Nationals N1m Each, Orders Deportation

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday convicted 21 foreign nationals over high-level cybercrime, fining each of them N1 million.

The trial judge, Justice Ekerete Akpan, while delivering judgment on the plea bargain reached between the convicts and the Nigeria Police Force, ordered the immediate departure of all 21 of them from Nigeria within six working days.

The convicts are among 109 foreign nationals being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police over charges of cybercrime, money laundering, and actions deemed threats to Nigeria’s national security in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024.

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The 21 convicted individuals are Yang Yang (33), Li Xiao Fen (41), Zheng Peng Zhan (28), Shu Huan (20), Jupanpan (25), Feng Guo (29), Zhao Yifan (31), Mahunan (26), Wang Yi Bo (24), Chen Yan Qi (26), and Shi Hao Jie (28), all represented in court by Linda Ikpeazu.

READ ALSO:Internet Fraud: Chinese Nationals Lose $222,729 In Digital Assets To FG

Others are Xiejang Bing (29), Zheng Jian Feng, Zheng Peng Fei (32), Wei Tang (32), Wang Hao (27), Cheng Xing (30), Yang Xu Gung (27), Zhu Jiu Hui (28), Xhou Kia Lai (28), and Tue Xue Fie (21, female), represented by Julius Mba.

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The 109 defendants, from countries including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, were arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge.

They initially pleaded not guilty and were remanded in Kuje and Keffi Correctional Centres, respectively, pending fulfilment of stringent bail conditions set on November 29, 2024, which included N1 billion bail and five sureties with N200 million worth of landed property each.

The Police alleged that the accused operated out of Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja, where they were running a “fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.”

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READ ALSO:14 Chinese Jailed For Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud In Lagos

One of the counts read that they “aided, abetted, conspired among themselves to commit an offence, to wit; cybercrime,” contrary to and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024).

They were also charged with unlawful access to a computer network and input of inauthentic data, punishable under Section 13 of the Cybercrimes Act.

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They were also accused of laundering proceeds generated from illegal platforms, including 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top, in violation of Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The final charge accused the defendants of overstaying their 30-day business permits — an offence punishable under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act, 2015.

READ ALSO:PICTORIAL: Lagos Court Jails Nine Chinese For Cybercrimes

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Justice Akpan, in his judgment, held that the sentence was based on the agreed terms of the bargain.

After the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged.

“The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of N1 million fine each, against each of the defendants which shall be paid before their release. They shall depart the country within six working days,” he said.

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When asked if the fines had been paid, defence counsel, Linda Ikpeazu, told the court, “My lord, we are going to pay in the next five minutes.”

READ ALSO:Court Remands 13 Chinese Nationals Over Cybercrime, Security Breach

Justice Akpan also ordered that all gadgets used in the commission of the crimes be forfeited to the Federal Government.

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Lead prosecuting counsel, A.A. Egwu, appeared for the Inspector-General of Police, while Ikpeazu and Mba represented different subsets of the 21 convicts.

The matter was adjourned to October 22nd and 23rd for the continuation of the trial of the remaining 88 defendants.
(PUNCH)

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Police Arrest Suspected Organ Harvester, Rescue Four Victims

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A notorious organ harvest suspect is in police custody over an attempt to buy the kidneys of four victims in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

Confirming the development in a press conference yesterday, the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Jauro, said the suspect, Mr Maro Ebojoh, 40, was arrested by officials of Yahaya Sabo Motor Park, Bukan Sidi in Lafia while perfecting his plans to harvest organs of his targets.

The CP said Nasarawa police operatives deployed to the area arrested him and further investigation revealed that Umar Barau, 25, Suleman Alhaji-Garba, 20, Williams Dadung, 32, and Stanley Ezekiel 27, were lured with promise to receive N2 million each after the deal is sealed.
He said the four victims were sent to a hospital in Abuja to be screened for fitness for the removal of their kidneys.

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READ ALSO:No Policeman Should Search Your Phone On The Road – Lagos CP

“The command detailed operatives to the facility where the organ harvest was to take place. On arrival, the victims were placed on medical rest in a hotel to calm the blood pressure of one of the victims before the operation.

“The victims confessed that the suspect promised them N2 million each after the initial N500,000 initial deposit by the suspect,” he said.

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According to the CP, the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that he procured a donor for another client two months ago where he received N1 million, and paid the victim N2.5 million.

READ ALSO: Police Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims In Edo

In another development, nine criminal suspects were arrested in connection with gang-related robbery at night within Mararaba and environs.

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The CP said their modus operandi include, attacking residents, stealing mobile phones and transferring funds from their victim’s bank account before selling the device to unsuspecting buyers.

He said that the suspects confessed to the crimes and admitted to carrying out operation at the Uke Karu where the son of serving police officer was killed.

Shettima urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious, particularly against individuals who disguise as genuine organ donor solicitors but only interested in the financial gains, moreso as the festive season is fast approaching.

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Nasarawa is among the states in the North where organ harvest is rampant among young people. Most victims of organ harvest are poor citizens who engage themselves in menial jobs to survive.

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Lagos Begins Clearance Of Tejuosho Market

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Lagos State government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, yesterday, began clearance of Tejuosho Market in Yaba, Lagos State

The clearance operation is aimed at restoring sanity and upholding environmental standards in the area. The ministry said the operation was in line with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make the state cleaner and habitable for business.

Commissioner for the Envir onment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said public spaces must remain orderly, safe and free from obstruction, and that the ministry would continue to enforce the law and ensure compliance with environmental regulations across Lagos.

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READ ALSO:No Policeman Should Search Your Phone On The Road – Lagos CP

Speaking with The Guardian, Head, Public Affairs and Advocacy Unit, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) popularly known as KAI, Ajayi Lukman, said the agency received petitions against the traders three months ago and and engaged them in different occasions to leave the road but all the engagement did not yield fruit.

He said: “They didn’t turn a new leaf despite series of engagements and advocacy, and we decided to dislodge them today (November 18, 2028). The traders left their shops to move to walkways and setbacks. They also closed two lanes and left one for motorists. They converted the road into market without recourse

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“Their excos came around to apologise. But no going back on our operation.”

READ ALSO:One Of 25 Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls Escapes

The Corps Marshal, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), said residents must continue to make Lagos habitable and cleaner for business via monitoring of all environs.

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He noted the resolve of the agency towards eradicating the nefarious acts perpetuated by environmentally-insensitive individuals as he bemoaned the negative impact posed to public health.

Cole also emphasised how open urination, defecation and improper refuse disposal contributed to the sub-par air quality in some parts of the state.

 

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JUST IN: Many Injured As Terrorists Ambush Nigerian Troops On Mission To Rescue Kebbi Schoolgirl

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Several soldiers sustained injuries after terrorists launched an ambush on troops heading to rescue kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State.

The attack occurred just 24 hours after the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, directed troops of Operation Fasan Yamma to go “all out” against the bandits responsible for abducting students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga.

“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” Shaibu has ordered.

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READ ALSO:Nigeria Coach Blames ‘Voodoo’ After World Cup Hopes Crushed

He further instructed commanders to leverage intelligence for intelligence-based operations, emphasizing: “Once you receive information on something like this, act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”

Troops were ordered to maintain 24-hour operations until all abducted students are safely rescued and reunited with their families.

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In compliance, the soldiers mobilized for the rescue mission but were ambushed by terrorists.

READ ALSO:FULL TEXT: DSS Gives Update On Prosecution Of Owo Church Attackers, Other Terror Suspects

Video footage obtained by DAILY POST shows several injured soldiers lying helplessly without immediate medical attention.

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One of the victims was heard speaking in Hausa language: “Musa has a bullet lodged in his leg. His condition is very bad.”

The troops’ operational vehicle was also riddled with bullet holes during the attack.

Watch video here

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