The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major legal victory with the conviction of 21 foreign nationals involved in a high-profile cybercrime syndicate.
The group was uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday, August 10, the case stems from a raid on November 3, 2024, at a building in Jahi, Abuja, where police arrested 130 suspects.
The arrested individuals included 113 foreign nationals, primarily from China and Malaysia, and 17 Nigerian collaborators. They were implicated in large-scale internet fraud, hacking, and other cyber offenses.
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Following a thorough investigation, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2, 2024.
The trial, which included digital forensic evidence, led to the conviction and sentencing of 21 of the accused on Friday, August 1, 2025. The prosecution of the remaining defendants is ongoing.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the force’s commitment to fighting cybercrime, stating that the conviction serves as a “strong message” that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for criminal networks.
The police force has pledged to continue using advanced technology and international collaboration to dismantle such groups.
