The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged at least 53 foreign nationals with various offences, including cybercrime, cyberterrorism, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.
According to an official statement, the accused—40 of whom are Chinese nationals—were charged over the past two days for alleged attempts to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
The suspects are reportedly part of a 792-member syndicate linked to cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams. They were arrested in Lagos last December during a crackdown on financial crimes.
On Monday, authorities indicted 29 Chinese nationals, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one Indonesian, and one Pakistani. The following day, 11 more Chinese suspects were brought before the court.
All defendants pleaded not guilty but were remanded in custody at a correctional facility. The court has adjourned proceedings to later this month and March for further hearings.