FG deports 42 Chinese, Philippine nationals convicted of cybercrime, Ponzi scheme
The federal government has begun the deportation of 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted of cybercrime and Ponzi scheme in the country.
The deportation was carried out on Sunday by the Nigerian Immigration Service in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
This came after the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court sentenced the foreign nationals to one-year imprisonment each, but they entered a plea bargain agreement with the EFCC.
The court also slammed a fine of N1 million on each convict.
The conviction followed the December 10, 2024, raid on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, during which 759 persons were arrested, including Nigerians, Chinese, Arabs, and Filipinos.
According to Channels TV, the first batch of deportees left Nigeria at about 2:00 p.m. local time on Sunday.
The deportees are part of a larger group of 759 persons arrested by the anti-graft agency for cybercrime and Ponzi schemes in the country.
The commission confirmed that others earlier convicted by the court would depart Nigeria by Monday and Tuesday, respectively, and would be airlifted back to their countries.
The foreigners had been operating a large-scale cybercrime and Ponzi scheme before being rounded up by the security agencies in a joint operation.
A total of 192 foreigners, including Chinese and Philippine nationals, were convicted in connection with the scam, according to the EFCC.
The charges against the convicted persons included allegations of using fake identities online to defraud victims, training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices and other offences under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The EFCC explained that the charges highlighted serious crimes aimed at undermining Nigeria’s security and financial integrity through cybercrime and fraudulent activities.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukeyede, described the convictions and deportations as a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime and financial fraud.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Bayelsa deputy governor urges women to champion social change
He said women played critical roles in nation-building.
States
NOA, NOSDRA partner on environmental safety in Kwara
Mr Williams commended NOA for seeking closer collaboration in environmental management.
States
WHO commends Ebonyi as FGM drops to 20.4%
Mr Ogbueli described the decline as a major milestone in efforts to end FGM.
Economy
FG empowers nearly 300,000 Nigerians through skills programmes: Minister
Mrs Oduwole saidthat the ministry was implementing policies to strengthen manufacturing and agro-processing, among others.
States
Osun 2026: APC candidate promises violence-free election, warns against intimidation
Mr Oyebamiji expressed optimism about winning the election.
NationWide
CJN seeks strong legal protection for maritime sector
Mrs Kekere-Ekun described maritime law as one of the principal pillars supporting global commerce.
