Police Secure Conviction of 21 Foreign Nationals in Abuja Cybercrime Case
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against cyber-related crimes, securing the conviction of 21 foreign nationals linked to a high-profile internet fraud syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
The case dates back to Saturday, 3rd November 2024, when operatives of the Force, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated raid on a building in Jahi, Abuja.
The operation was part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime and resulted in the arrest of 130 suspects—113 of them foreign nationals, mainly of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and 17 Nigerian collaborators.
According to police reports, the suspects were implicated in activities including large-scale internet fraud, hacking operations, and other cyber offences with the potential to undermine Nigeria’s national security and economic stability.
Following extensive investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on 2nd December 2024. The trial process, supported by robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies, has since been moving through the judicial system. As of Friday, 1st August 2025, 21 of the accused have been convicted and sentenced by a competent court of jurisdiction.
Prosecution of the remaining defendants is ongoing, with the Police working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure full accountability.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering commitment to tackling cybercrime.
He stressed: “The conviction sends a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for criminal enterprises.”
The Force assured members of the public that it will continue to deploy cutting-edge technology, international partnerships, and diligent investigative processes to dismantle organized cybercrime groups.
Further updates on the ongoing prosecutions will be provided as the cases progress in court.
