A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of 109 foreigners, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerian collaborators, in Kuje and Suleja correctional facilities. The suspects are linked to high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities threatening national security.
Justice Ekerete Akpan made the order due to issues of misrepresentation of names on the charge sheet and counsel representation. The arraignment was initially stalled, and the court has adjourned the case to November 29 for arraignment.
The suspects, comprising 87 men and 26 women, are mainly from China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Philippines, and Malaysia. They were arrested on November 3, 2024, after a coordinated raid at Jahi area in Abuja, where they allegedly used computers and sophisticated devices for criminal activities.
The charges against them include entering Nigeria with a 30-day business permit and failing to leave after expiration. They are also accused of promoting a fraudulent online gambling platform, causing significant economic losses to individuals in Nigeria and abroad.
The court has ordered the defendants to be provided with interpreters for those who do not understand spoken English. The case has been adjourned to November 29 for arraignment.
This development comes as Nigeria intensifies its efforts to tackle rising cyber threats. The country has been working to strengthen its cybersecurity laws and regulations, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).¹
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