Lagos: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned several foreign nationals before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime and attempt to destabilise the nation. The defendants, who include Filipinos, Indonesian, and Chinese nationals, are standing trial before Justice Musa Kakaki on a two-count charge of cybercrime and identity theft.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the defendants, Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, and Kimbaley Nisperos, along with others including Winnie De Jesus, Shairah Reyes, Gladys Joy, May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio, all pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecutor, Mr. N.K. Ukoha, requested the court to also enter a plea of not guilty against a company, Genting Internation C.O. Ltd, allegedly linked to the charge but not represented by counsel.
Following the defendants’ plea, the prosecutor urged the court to remand them in a correctional facility pending trial. However, the Defence Counsel, Mrs. Bridget Omoteno, objected and requested a short adjournment to explore a plea bargain option. Justice Kakaki granted the prosecutor’s request and ordered the remand of the defendants in custody of the correctional service pending trial, adjourning the case until March 18 and March 20 for trial.
According to the charge, the defendants and the company allegedly committed the offence on December 18, 2024, in Lagos. They were said to have wilfully accessed computer systems organized to seriously destabilise Nigeria’s economic and social structure by procuring Nigerian youths for identity theft, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves. The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene the provisions of sections 18, 22, and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (as amended).