EFCC arraigns 20 Filipinos, Chinese, Indonesian over cybercrime, plot to destabilise Nigeria
By Trek Africa Newspaper
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday arraigned 20 foreign nationals before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, for alleged cybercrime and attempt to destabilise Nigeria’s social and economic structure.
The defendants include 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals.
Some of the foreigners are Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Penguna Yua and Anjeannet Topacio, among others.
When the matter was called, prosecution counsel N.K. Ukoha prayed that the charges against the defendants be read so that they could take their plea.
Consequently, the charge was read and all the defendants in their separate charges pleaded not guilty to the same.
Ukoha then asked that the plea of not guilty be entered against the corporate person linked to the charge, Genting Internation C.O. Limited, which was not represented by any person, as required by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA.
The lawyer also pleaded with the court to remand the defendants in the custody of Nigeria Correctional Service, pending trial.
However, Counsel to the defendants Bridget Omoteno and B.A Ukpai opposed him.
They prayed to the court for a short adjournment to enable the defendants explore the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecution.
Justice Kakaki, after listening to the parties, granted the prosecutor’s prayer and remanded the defendants in the Nigerian Correctional Services’ custody pending trial.
The judge adjourned the case till the 18th and 20th of March 2025, for trial.
