A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted and sentenced 12 individuals — including four Filipino nationals — for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and money laundering, in what authorities described as one of Nigeria’s largest cybercrime prosecutions.
Justice Yellim Bogoro, who presided over the case on Friday, handed down one-year prison sentences to the convicts following their guilty pleas to charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The four Filipinos — Reyna Mae Eriba, Chyna Samonte, Zara Fabian, and Dominique Medina — were among 729 persons arrested during a major sting operation in December 2024 at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Lagos. Investigators say the bust exposed a sprawling ponzi and cyber-terrorism ring targeting Nigerians and foreigners alike.
Also sentenced were eight Nigerian nationals: Chidera Ezechukwu, Favour Oluchukwu, Egwenum Ifeanyi, David Okezie, Gbenga Shittu Solomon, Ibraheem Olamilekan, Chinecherem Michael, and Oghomienor Jotham.
Prosecutors led by Anita Imo, with support from Suleiman I. Suleiman, H.U. Kofarnaisa, and B.M. Isah, detailed how the syndicate exploited computer systems to destabilise the country’s economic structure and recruit Nigerian youths for online scams, including identity theft and romance fraud.
One of the Nigerians, Chidera Praise Ezechukwu, was linked to N12.75 million traced to a UBA bank account used for fraudulent transactions.
The offences were said to have violated multiple laws, including the Cybercrimes Act (2015, as amended 2024), the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022), and the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act (2004, as amended).
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Justice Bogoro imposed fines in lieu of imprisonment:
The four Filipinos were each given the option of paying N1 million.
Gbenga Shittu Solomon was fined N700,000.
The remaining Nigerians were each fined N500,000.
The court also ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service to deport the Filipino convicts within seven days of completing their sentences.
Additionally, all items recovered from the convicts — including vehicles, gadgets, and funds — were forfeited to the Federal Government.
EFCC officials say the conviction sends a clear message about the government’s determination to dismantle cybercrime networks, regardless of nationality.