A Lagos Federal High Court has sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one year in prison each for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, following their December 2024 arrests during a major EFCC sting. Identified as Li Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng, they pleaded guilty to unauthorized access to computer systems aimed at undermining Nigeria’s economic and social infrastructure.

Each convict was fined ₦1 million (~US $640), with their one-year prison term retroactive to the date of arrest—December 10, 2024. Justice Daniel Osiagor ordered that all seized electronic devices—including mobile phones, laptops, and routers—be forfeited to the federal government . Deportation to China is to occur within seven days of term completion.

Their convictions are part of a much larger operation codenamed “Eagle Flush”, which resulted in the arrest of 792 individuals—including 193 foreigners and 599 Nigerians—suspected of involvement in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and identity theft. Court documents described the syndicate as using advanced technology and social engineering to defraud both individuals and institutions globally.

China’s ambassador to Nigeria acknowledged the incident, describing it as the work of “bad apples,” and proposed a bilateral working group to investigate and prevent future cyber crimes by nationals in Nigeria.