The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned nine Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., over allegations of cyber terrorism and internet fraud.
EFCC accused the suspects to be members of the 792-member syndicate involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud.
Operatives of the anti-graft agency arrested the suspects on December 10, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged: “Eagle Flush Operation”.
They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing pretences and identity theft, among others.
The defendants; Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, Ting Liao, Fan Jia, Feng Li Cani, Lu Yong Yao and Yang Chen Cheng were arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Due to their pleas, the prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, prayed to the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the correctional centre.
Justice Aneke subsequently adjourned the matter till February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial and ordered the remand of the defendants at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
This recent arraignment came just two days after the EFCC arraigned 11 Chinese for similar offences before the same Federal High Court in Lagos.