KEY POINTS
- The trial date for investigating the cybercrime activities of five Chinese nationals will begin on March 4-5 at the court facility.
- The defendants refused to accept the interpreter service which led to procedural delays.
- According to EFCC one of the accused participants used Nigerian recruits during identity theft and fraud schemes.
A postponement occurred during the trial of five Chinese nationals who were arrested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for running a scheme that hired Nigerian youths for cybercrime operations.
The court case received an adjournment by Justice Ayokunle Faji until March 4 and 5 after the defendants chose to reject the interpretation services provided at the trial.
On February 6 the accused Chinese citizens Zhao Ying Bin and Yuzi a.k.a Wei Xuehuan together with Zhang Yang and Weng Zhi Cheng and Genting International Co. Limited appeared before authorities to face cybercrime charges.
Charges against the defendants
The EFCC declares the accused responsible for operating cyber operations that harmed Nigeria’s constitutional framework. The defendants used Nigerian youths through fraudulent recruitment before executing identity theft and foreign impersonation schemes that aimed at obtaining financial rewards.
The defendant says Zhao Ying Bin intentionally used a false name known as “Lisi Chuan” on Telegram to obtain financial instruments by deceptive means.
The criminal actions fall under the punishment scope of Sections 18 and 22(3) of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act 2015 Amendment in 2024.
Trial delayed for compliance with legal provisions
The court session started when Hannatu Kofanaisa announced to the court that prosecution was ready to proceed. The defense counsel N. Abraham asked for an adjournment because he wanted to verify that defendants received proper legal assistance as stated in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Justice Faji approved the defense motion to delay the trial dates until March 4-5 therefore the court could secure an interpreter of their preference.
Government officials at the EFCC have strengthened their efforts to fight digital trademark fraud and identity theft because the case shows increasing foreign participation in Nigerian cybercrime.
