EFCC arraigns Filipinos, Chinese, Indonesians; court remands them, adjourns case until March 18
Several foreign nationals among those the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested earlier this year have been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime and attempt to destabilise Nigeria.
The defendants, who include Filipinos, Indonesians, and Chinese, were on Thursday arraigned by the EFCC before Justice Musa Kakaki on a two-count charge of cybercrime and identity theft.
The defendants are Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, and Kimbaley Nisperos.
Others are Winnie De Jesus, Shairah Reyes, Gladys Joy, May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecution lawyer N.K. Ukoha urged the court to also enter a plea of not guilty against a company, Genting Internation C.O. Ltd, allegedly linked to the charge but not represented by counsel.
He implored the court to remand them in a correctional facility pending trial.
But defence counsel Bridget Omoteno raised objection and urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable parties explore plea bargain option.
The Judge, however, granted the prosecutor’s request and ordered the remand of the defendants in custody of the correctional service pending trial.
He adjourned the case until March 18 and March 20 for trial.
The charge sheet alleged that the defendants and the company:
- Committed the offences in Lagos on 18 December 2024.
- Wilfully caused to be accessed, computer systems to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria when they procured Nigerian youths for identity theft.
- Did so with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves.
The prosecution said the offences contravene Sections 18, 22, and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (as amended).
– Daily Post.
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