Court Sentences 15 Foreigners To Prison Over Cyber-Terrorism, Fraud
A federal high court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday sentenced 15 foreign nationals to one year’s imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud offences.
The convicts—comprising 11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian, and one Indonesian—were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with possession of fraudulent documents and cyber-related crimes.
They include Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Zeng Zerong, Guo Bin, Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (aka Madison), Tan Soon Kar, Fernando Fu Fang, and Beverlyin Gumayo (aka Veb Sumayo).
One charge stated that in December 2024, Winnie De Jesus and Genting International Co. Ltd deliberately gained unauthorised access to Lagos computer systems, intending to destabilise Nigeria’s economy and society.
The group also allegedly recruited Nigerian youths to carry out identity theft for their benefit.
Another allegation accused Kayceelynn Remorin and the company of accessing computer systems and enlisting Nigerians for impersonation scams. Remorin was specifically charged with fraudulently impersonating Anastacia Lim to benefit her employer.
All defendants pleaded guilty. Following this, prosecution counsel requested conviction in line with a plea bargain agreement.
Justices Yellin Bogoro and Alexander Owoeye sentenced each individual to one year imprisonment and fined them ₦1,000,000 each.
The court ordered the Nigeria Immigration Service’s comptroller-general to repatriate the convicts within seven days of completing their sentences.
All electronic devices seized were forfeited to the federal government.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
