A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has sentenced 15 foreign nationals to one year imprisonment each for their roles in a cyber-terrorism and internet fraud syndicate that operated across Nigeria.
The convicts—comprising 11 Filipinos, 2 Chinese nationals, 1 Malaysian, and 1 Indonesian—were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges bordering on cybercrimes, identity theft, and unlawful access to computer systems.
🧑⚖️ Two Judges Deliver Joint Verdict
The verdict was handed down by Justice Yellin Bogoro and Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, after the defendants pleaded guilty and entered into plea bargain agreements with the anti-graft agency.
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📜 Names of the Convicted Foreigners
The full list of those convicted includes:
Filipino Nationals (11):
- Winnie De Jesus
- Kayceelynn Remorin
- Irish Chna
- Darwisa Esmael
- Kimberly Nisperos
- Savien Cire Renovilla
- Jessa Sanchi
- Jhena Sarmiento
- Rain Torida
- Rex Jose Dilag (alias Madison)
- Beverlyin Gumayo (alias Veb Sumayo)
Others:
- Zeng Zerong (Chinese)
- Guo Bin (Chinese)
- Tan Soon Kar (Malaysian)
- Fernando Fu Fang (Indonesian)
⚖️ Charges and Offences
According to the EFCC, the offences were committed in Lagos State in December 2024. The charges include:
- Possession of fraudulent documents
- Cyber-terrorism
- Identity theft
- Illegal access to computer networks with intent to destabilise Nigeria’s economic and social structure
The commission specifically accused Winnie De Jesus and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, of using Nigerian youths to engage in identity theft and impersonation schemes. These operations allegedly targeted individuals and businesses globally to generate illicit financial gains.
Other Key Allegations:
- Kayceelynn Remorin was said to have impersonated one Anastacia Lim in a digital fraud scheme
- The accused used social engineering tactics and phishing tools to manipulate Nigerian youths into posing as foreigners for financial gain
- The crimes violated several sections of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act (2015, amended 2024) and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022
📝 Plea Bargain and Sentencing
All 15 defendants pleaded guilty and opted for a plea deal with the EFCC.
Following the plea bargains, EFCC prosecutors N.K. Ukoha, T.J. Banjo, and N.C. Mutfwang urged the court to adopt the agreed terms.
In delivering their judgment, Justices Bogoro and Owoeye sentenced each defendant to 12 months in prison with an option of a ₦1 million fine.
🇳🇬 Repatriation and Forfeiture Orders
The court ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service to repatriate all convicts to their respective countries within seven days of completing their prison terms or paying the fines.
Furthermore, all digital devices, equipment, and materials recovered from the suspects were forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
A Wake-Up Call on Cross-Border Cybercrime
The case underscores the increasing trend of transnational cybercrime syndicates exploiting Nigeria’s digital ecosystem for global internet fraud.
TJ News Nigeria learnt that the EFCC is ramping up collaborations with international agencies to tackle cross-border digital crimes and enforce stricter monitoring of foreign-owned companies operating in Nigeria.
