EFCC Prosecutes Additional Chinese, Filipino Nationals Over Alleged Cyber Offences

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its legal offensive against transnational cybercrime, as another cohort of Chinese and Filipino nationals has been formally arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The accused face an array of charges, including cyber fraud, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft—offences that could carry severe legal consequences under Nigeria’s evolving cybercrime laws.
The accused individuals were separately brought before four justices: Justice Olayinka Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye.
According to reports from Channels Television, ten foreign nationals stood before Justice Faji, while six others appeared before Justice Aneke. A larger group of sixteen individuals—predominantly Chinese nationals—were arraigned before Justice Dipeolu, while thirteen Filipino defendants faced Justice Owoeye.
Upon hearing the charges, all defendants entered not guilty pleas, prompting the presiding justices to order their remand in correctional facilities until bail hearings and further proceedings are concluded.
The prosecution asserts that the accused orchestrated an elaborate cyber scheme, allegedly recruiting Nigerian youths to engage in identity theft and computer-based fraud. These activities reportedly violated Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, which was further amended in 2024 to strengthen punitive measures against digital crimes.
Some of the defendants identified in court proceedings include:
Cherry De Leon (alias Yesh De Leon)
Khurram Shanzad
Fernad Fu Fang (alias Kim)
Tan Soon Kar
Rex Jose Dilag (alias Madison)
Jamal Polea
Jamilyn Jaynee Gonzalez (alias Jam Galanza)
Hannah Jaramillo (alias Max De Leon)
Additionally, the following individuals were named among the accused:
Lin Haobo
An Hongxu (alias Ruike)
Shitou Shizilong
Pan Jiong
Zhou Kunji
Huang Xiao Liang (alias Liu Xiao Liang)
Peng Sen Lin (alias Peng Song Lin, Pen Sen Ling, Dong Fang Hong)
Huang Ren Jan
Shi Yang Xiong
Lu Yi Liang
Guo Giang (alias Lisa)
Wen Zong Xu
Pan Cai Yu
Guo Zhi Yong
Among the Filipino defendants, notable names include:
Danica Manulit (alias Dan Ruiz)
Vera Dela Cris (alias Nina Vera Gonzal)
Joey Gracia
Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (alias Sumayo)
Tricia Jenylyn Castro (alias T. J. Castro)
The judicial proceedings have been postponed to various dates spanning February and March 2025, with the earliest trial scheduled to commence on February 7, 2025.
Background and Investigative Findings
The individuals currently facing prosecution were among those apprehended in a meticulously planned operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024. Acting on credible intelligence, law enforcement operatives raided a residential hideout at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, uncovering what authorities describe as an organized cyber-fraud syndicate.
The EFCC contends that the accused individuals deliberately infiltrated computer networks with the intent to compromise Nigeria’s economic framework. Investigators allege that these foreign nationals recruited Nigerian operatives, instructing them to assume false foreign identities to facilitate financial deception on a global scale.
Furthermore, the EFCC maintains that, during interrogations, the defendants deliberately misled investigators by providing false information regarding their involvement in cyberterrorism, cryptocurrency fraud, and online romance scams.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, alongside the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), these offences are deemed severe infractions, punishable under Section 39(2)(b) of the EFCC Act.
As the trials progress, legal experts anticipate intense courtroom battles, with potential landmark convictions that could reshape Nigeria’s approach to transnational cybercrime enforcement.