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.
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 statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force, in its sustained fight against cyber-related crimes and in protection of national security, has recorded a significant legal victory with the conviction of twenty-one (21) foreign nationals involved in a high-profile cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
“It will be recalled that on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out a well-coordinated raid on a building located at Jahi, Abuja. The operation, which was part of a broader cybercrime crackdown, resulted in the arrest of 130 suspects, comprising 113 foreign nationals, predominantly of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and 17 Nigerian collaborators. These suspects were implicated in activities including large-scale internet fraud, hacking operations, and other cyber offences capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security and economic stability.
“Following meticulous and painstaking investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2nd, 2024. The trial process, which involved the presentation of robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies, has progressed steadily through the judicial system. As of Friday, 1st August 2025, twenty-one (21) of the accused have been convicted and sentenced by the competent court of jurisdiction. Prosecution of the remaining defendants continues, with the Police working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure full accountability.”