By Mayra, Local Content Journalist | Springnewsng Media
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LAGOS, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, June 23, 2025, sentenced 17 Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment each for crimes related to cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The convictions were secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justices D.E. Osiagor and D.I. Dipeolu, following a plea bargain agreement.

The convicted individuals include:
Yu Hui (aka A. Bin), Huang Jin Hui, Fei Fan, Lu Qiang, Hu Xi Zheng, Sun Zhi Peng, Wu Hao, Cong Bing, Li Qiang (aka Yang Huan Huan), Zheng Wei (aka A. Hong), Cheng Jian, Da Tou, A Wen, Zhang Lei, Huang Zhi, Pan Jiong, and Chen Wen Yuan.

They were arrested during a massive sting operation by the EFCC, codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation,” which took place in Lagos on December 19, 2024. The raid led to the arrest of 792 suspected cybercriminals, including the 17 convicts.

Each of the accused was arraigned in February 2025 on a one-count charge of illegally accessing computer systems with the intent to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social order. This offense is a violation of Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

Although they initially pleaded not guilty, all 17 defendants changed their pleas to guilty as part of the plea bargain process. Prosecuting counsels Nneemeka Omewa, U.S. Kyari, and B.M. Isah confirmed the agreement, which the court accepted.

Sentencing Details:

One year imprisonment, effective from the date of their arrest (December 10, 2024)

N1,000,000 fine imposed on each convict

Mandatory deportation to China by the Nigerian Immigration Service within 7 days of the judgment

Forfeiture of all recovered items, including laptops, mobile phones, and routers, to the Federal Government of Nigeria

This landmark judgment marks another major step in Nigeria’s fight against international cybercrime networks operating within its borders.