A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals over cybercrime offences and ordered their immediate deportation from Nigeria.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Ekerete Akpan, followed a plea bargain agreement between the convicted persons and the Nigeria Police Force. Each convict was fined ₦1 million and is expected to leave Nigeria within six working days.
“After the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged,” Justice Akpan stated. “The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of ₦1 million fine each, which shall be paid before their release. They shall depart the country within six working days.”
The judge also ordered that all electronic devices and tools used in committing the cybercrimes be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The convicted individuals are part of a larger group of 109 foreign nationals currently facing prosecution by the Inspector-General of Police for cybercrime, money laundering, and activities considered a threat to Nigeria’s national security.
The convicts come from various countries, including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. They were originally arraigned in 2024 on a six-count charge.
The ruling highlights Nigeria’s growing crackdown on cybercrime, especially involving foreign networks operating within the country.
