Nine Chinese nationals and their company, Genting International Co. Ltd., were arraigned Thursday before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges of cyber terrorism and internet fraud.
The defendants – Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, Ting Liao, Fan Jia, Feng Li Cani, Lu Yong Yao, and Yang Chen Cheng – all pleaded not guilty to charges including cyber terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) identified the accused as members of a larger syndicate of 792 suspects arrested during a December 10, 2024, surprise raid dubbed “Eagle Flush Operation” in Lagos. The operation targeted individuals allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud schemes.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel M.K. Bashir requested trial dates and the defendants’ remand. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke ordered the defendants to be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and scheduled trial dates for February 21 and March 7, 2025.
Those that will have their trial commence on February 21, are Su Dong Fu; Zheng Xian Tao; Wang Shi Long; Pan Cai Qi and Ting Liao. While those who will be tried on March 7 are Fan Jia; Feng Li Cai; Lu Yong Yao and Yang Chen Cheng.
This arraignment follows closely on the heels of similar charges brought against 11 other Chinese nationals in the same court earlier this week.
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