Lagos Court Imposes 46-Year Sentences on Chinese Nationals for Massive Cyber Fraud Scheme
In a landmark ruling, Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals to 46 years imprisonment each for their involvement in extensive cyberterrorism and internet fraud operations. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, following a comprehensive trial that exposed a sophisticated criminal network.
Details of the Conviction and Charges
The convicted individuals, identified as Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, were found guilty on multiple counts related to cybercrime and financial fraud. They were arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges included cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and money laundering, with the total amount involved reaching N3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were part of a larger syndicate of 792 fraudsters arrested during a surprise operation tagged "Eagle Flush Operation" on December 19, 2024, in Lagos. The operation targeted individuals involved in cryptocurrency scams, investment fraud, and romance scams that had been plaguing online platforms.
The Criminal Scheme and Investigation Findings
Investigations revealed that the convicts orchestrated a complex fraud scheme by directing the incorporation of Genting International Co. Ltd. through Friday Audu, a co-defendant who maintained his not guilty plea. The company was used as a front to facilitate their illegal activities.
The defendants systematically recruited and employed Nigerian youths, instructing them to falsely represent themselves as foreign nationals. This deception was designed to defraud unsuspecting victims through various online platforms, causing significant financial damage and undermining Nigeria's economic stability.
One of the charges specifically stated that the defendants "conspired to willfully cause to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria." This offense contravened Section 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Initially, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, during the resumed sitting on February 11, 2026, their counsel, Bridget Omateno, informed the court that they wished to change their pleas to guilty. After the charges were re-read, both defendants admitted guilt, while Friday Audu continued to maintain his not guilty plea.
Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel Bilikisu Bala-Buhari urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, including life imprisonment on the first three counts and 14 years on the remaining counts. The prosecution also requested the forfeiture of all items recovered during the investigation to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Osiagor sentenced each defendant to a cumulative term of 46 years imprisonment, with an option of a N56,000,000 fine. Additionally, the court ordered them to undertake three days of community service and be repatriated after serving their sentences and completing the community service.
Assets and Properties Recovered
The EFCC's investigation led to the recovery of substantial assets from four properties in Lagos:
- 1,596 mobile phones
- 2,120 office chairs and 544 office tables
- 194 routers and 43 computer systems
- 126 air-conditioning units and several generators
- Numerous vehicles, mattresses, bunk beds, and electronic devices
- Thousands of SIM cards across different networks
These items were seized from premises located at No. 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island; Plot 1220 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island; 54A A.J. Marinho Drive, Victoria Island; and No. 14A Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi.
Ongoing Trial and Future Proceedings
The case involving Friday Audu, who maintained his not guilty plea, has been adjourned until April 29, 2026, for continuation of trial. The EFCC continues to pursue justice in this extensive cyber fraud case, highlighting the agency's commitment to combating financial crimes and protecting Nigeria's digital economy.
This ruling serves as a stern warning to individuals and syndicates involved in cybercrime, emphasizing the severe legal consequences awaiting those who engage in such activities within Nigeria's jurisdiction.
