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EFCC finally arraigns 20 foreigners over alleged cybercrime
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned another 20 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for alleged cybercrime and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s social and economic structure.
The defendants, 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian and four Chinese nationals were arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki.
They are part of the larger 193 foreign nationals arrested in December 2024, alongside 599 Nigerians in a surprise operation at their hideout, Big Leaf Building in Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence gathered by the anti-graft agency.
At the arraignment, counsel to the EFCC, Nwandu Ukoha, asked that the charges against the defendants be read so that they could take their plea.
Through an interpreter, the charge was read and all the defendants in their separate counts pleaded not guilty.
Ukoha also asked the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service, pending trial.
Lawyers representing the defendants, Bridget Omoteno and BA Ukpai, however, opposed him. They asked the court for a short adjournment to enable the defendants explore the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecution.
After listening to the parties, Justice Kakaki granted the prosecutor’s request and remanded the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services’ pending trial. The court adjourned to March 18th and 20th for possible trial.
Some of the foreigners arraigned are; Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Penguna Yua and Anjeannet Topacio.
The two-count charge against the defendants alleges that they and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when they procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”
The defendants were also alleged to have sometime in December 2024 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with the intent to gain financial advantage for their employer fraudulently impersonated and hold themselves out as such, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22(2)(b) and 27(1)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.
By Gloria Ikibah
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has extended warm wishes to Nigerian workers as the country marks the 2025 edition of International Workers’ Day.
Kalu praised workers across various sectors for their commitment and resilience, describing them as the engine that keeps the nation moving. He acknowledged their sacrifices and unrelenting drive, especially during tough economic times.
In his message, he highlighted the efforts of the current administration under President Bola Tinubu to improve the welfare of public servants. He referenced the National Assembly’s prompt backing of the new minimum wage as a sign of the government’s seriousness about workers’ wellbeing.
The Deputy Speaker appealed for continued patience and understanding from Nigerians, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, while challenging, are designed to bring long-term relief and prosperity.
Kalu also called for unity, and said the country can only overcome its present difficulties if citizens and leaders work together in good faith.
He therefore urged workers to keep the faith and remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them that brighter days are on the horizon, and wished Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling May Day celebration.
The Osun State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has received thousands of decampees from the All Progressives Congress and other political parties into its fold.
The decampees, who are mostly from the Omisore Youth Support Forum (OYSF) joined the party at a ceremony held at party secretariat in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, on Wednesday.
The were received by the Chairman of the PDP in Osun, Hon. Sunday Bisi, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuff and other party leader.
While receiving the decampees, Bisi renamed the group as Adeleke Youth Support Forum (AYSF) as they declared their support for Adeleke’s 2026 re-election bid.
One of the leaders of the decampees, Mr Francis Fasogbon said they were “inspired by the good governance delivered by Governor Ademola Adeleke”.
Hon. Dennis Agbo, representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency in the 10th House of Representatives, has resigned from the Labour Party (LP) and defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing aa gathering in his ward, Ezzodo, Agbo cited his admiration for Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mba’s performance, as the reason for his decision.
“I acknowledge Governor Mba’s outstanding work, and I believe it’s essential to support him,” Agbo said. “As a federal legislator from Enugu State, I’m joining hands with him to provide a link between the state and federal government, promoting the good work he’s doing to uplift our state.”
Agbo, who was elected on the LP ticket, expressed his desire to work with Governor Mba, citing the governor’s vision and achievements since his inauguration in 2023.
He also emphasized that the internal crisis and division within the Labour Party was part of the factors influencing his decision to leave the party and return to PDP.
The lawmaker invited his supporters and members of Labour Party to a formal ceremony marking his transition to PDP, scheduled for May 1, 2025, at the PDP State Secretariat in Enugu.
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