Thirteen Chinese nationals have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos on multiple charges, including cybercrime, identity theft, and financial fraud, in a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Denide Dipeolu presided over the hearing on Friday, where the accused individuals, alongside a company, Genting International Co. Limited, faced charges related to impersonation, fraud, and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
Following their arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty, prompting Justice Dipeolu to order their remand in correctional facilities pending trial. The court adjourned proceedings to February 3, 14, and 21, 2025.
Arrest and Charges
The EFCC apprehended the defendants on December 10, 2024, at their hideout on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following intelligence reports. Those charged include Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Jia Qi (aka Xiao Tian), Long Shao Ming (aka You), Zhang Xiao Lei, Liu San Hua, Chen Wenyuan (aka Lee05mx20), Yang Sheng (Madison), and Rheeigh De La Vega (aka Rheignalyn).
The EFCC’s legal team, led by Director of Legal Aso Peters and Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, presented charges citing violations of Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
While most defendants pleaded not guilty, Wang Zheng Ming rejected the EFCC-appointed lawyer and requested time to secure his own legal representation.
Allegations and Offenses
One of the defendants, Liu San Hua, is accused of recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial fraud—an offense under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes Act. Other charges include the use of fake identities to defraud victims, training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent activities, and other offenses under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offenses Act, 2006.
The EFCC emphasized the severity of the charges, highlighting the alleged cybercrimes as threats to Nigeria’s financial security and stability.
According to the charge sheet, some of the offenses include:
Wang Zheng Feng (aka A. Feng): Accused of accessing computer systems to undermine Nigeria’s economy and social structure, violating Section 18 of the Cybercrimes Act and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Zhang Xiao Lei & Genting International Co. Limited: Allegedly employed Nigerian youths for identity theft, instructing them to impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain.
Luo Jia You (aka You): Allegedly provided false information to EFCC officers during the investigation, misleading authorities about his identity while being probed for involvement in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and cyberterrorism.
Court Remand
Following the hearing, Justice Dipeolu ordered the defendants to be held in correctional facilities. The two female defendants were remanded at the Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre, while the rest were taken to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
The case is set to continue in February as the court reviews the evidence and testimonies.
