The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of 21 foreign nationals tied to what authorities describe as one of the country’s largest cybercrime busts in recent years.
The syndicate was dismantled on November 3, 2024, after a coordinated police raid at a property in Jahi, Abuja.
Acting on what they called “credible and actionable intelligence,” operatives stormed the building, arresting 130 suspects — 113 of them foreign nationals, mainly from China and Malaysia, along with 17 Nigerians.
Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed in a Sunday statement that the suspects were implicated in large-scale internet fraud, hacking operations, and other cyber offences capable of undermining Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
Following weeks of investigation, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2, 2024.
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By August 1, 2025, 21 of the accused had been found guilty and sentenced by a competent court. Adejobi did not disclose the exact nature of their sentences.
“The conviction sends a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a haven for criminal enterprises,” Adejobi stated, adding that prosecution of the remaining defendants continues in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to using advanced technology, international cooperation, and thorough investigations to dismantle organised cybercrime.
Officials say more updates will be released as ongoing cases progress through the courts.
