The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed that 109 foreign nationals charged with cybercrime offences be remanded in custody at Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres.
The defendants, who are citizens China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil, and Malaysia were arrested in a coordinated operation on November 3, 2024. The raid was led by Assistant Inspector General of Police , AIG, Benneth Igweh, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, supported by a team from the Nigeria Police Force , NPF, Zone 7 Command and the National Cyber Crime Centre , NPF-NCCC.
The foreign nationals, who face a range of serious charges, are accused of involvement in a cybercrime syndicate engaged in illegal activities such as conspiracy, unlawful data access, online marketing scams, computer-related fraud, money laundering, and illegal migration.
The charges, brought by the NPF’s Cybercrime Unit, involve a sophisticated network of cybercriminals using fraudulent online schemes to exploit individuals and businesses.
At the court session, Justice Ekerete Akpan ruled that the male defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre, while the female suspects were ordered to be held at Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State, pending their formal arraignment. The case was adjourned to November 29, 2024.
The proceedings saw a dramatic turn when the five Brazilian nationals listed as defendants requested a separate trial from the other suspects, citing concerns for their safety. Through their counsel, Mr. Eric Oba, the Brazilians expressed fear for their well-being after making extrajudicial statements during police questioning.
Oba revealed that their co-defendants had developed hostile feelings toward them after these statements, and the Brazilian nationals feared retribution if remanded with the other suspects.
Oba also raised concerns about the seizure of his clients’ passports, which were confiscated by their employer upon their arrival in Nigeria. He requested that the passports be returned to the Brazilian government. Additionally, Oba informed the court that an application would be filed for the severance of the Brazilian defendants’ case from the rest.
Defense counsel for other defendants, Senior Advocate of Nigeria , SAN, James Onoja, also raised an objection to the planned arraignment. He pointed out discrepancies in the names provided for several of the suspects, suggesting that the defendants’ true identities could not be verified without proper travel documents.
Onoja requested the court delay the arraignment until the suspects’ travel documents could be presented to ensure the charges were accurately filed. He described the conditions at the police facility, where the defendants were being held, as substandard, with suspects crowded in makeshift spaces.
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The prosecution, represented by Mr. A.A. Egwu, did not oppose the request for an adjournment but highlighted the pressing issue of overcrowded police detention facilities, urging the court to remand the suspects in correctional centres to alleviate the strain on police resources.
The raid and subsequent court proceedings came on the same day that the 2024 Conference of Police Public Relations Officers , PPROs and Communications Experts wrapped up in Asaba, Delta State.
The conference, themed “Strengthening the Nigeria Police Force Oversight and Accountability,” focused on enhancing communication, improving public trust, and fostering police accountability. The event brought together experts from the PR sector, NGOs, and international organizations, equipping PPROs with the tools necessary for effective policing in an increasingly digital world.
Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, commended the conference for its role in improving the Nigeria Police Force’s ability to communicate effectively with the public. Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun praised the conference as a milestone toward more effective policing and thanked Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for hosting the event.
As the legal proceedings continue, the court’s handling of the cybercrime case is likely to set important precedents in the fight against international cyber fraud, while the broader policing community looks to improve both internal operations and public communication strategies.
Credible News.ng
