Cybercrime: The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday, November 22, 2024, ordered the remand of 109 foreign nationals in Kuje and Suleja Correctional Centres over alleged involvement in cybercrime activities.
The suspects, arrested on Saturday, November 3, 2024, during a raid in Abuja, were apprehended by a team led by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Benneth Igweh of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja. The operation involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
Cybercrime: Charges Against the Defendants
The foreign nationals, identified as citizens of China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brazil, Malaysia, and other countries, face a six-count charge. The charges include:
- Conspiracy
- Unlawful access to data
- Marketing scams
- Computer-related fraud
- Money laundering
- Illegal migration
Justice Ekerete Akpan, the presiding judge, directed that the male defendants be held at Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, while the female defendants were sent to Suleja Correctional Centre in Niger State, pending their arraignment.
Adjournment and Requests
The court adjourned the case to Friday, November 29, 2024. During the proceedings, Justice Akpan instructed counsel representing the five Brazilian defendants to formally apply for a separate trial.
The Brazilians, through their counsel Mr. Eric Oba, requested a severance of their trial, citing safety concerns due to extrajudicial statements they had made to the police, which reportedly caused tension with co-defendants. Oba also requested the return of their passports, which he claimed were seized by their employer upon their arrival in Nigeria.
Other defense counsel, including Mr. James Onoja, SAN, raised concerns about discrepancies in the defendants’ names, arguing that arraignment should be delayed until proper identification could be established.
Cybercrime: Prosecution and Remand Orders
Prosecution counsel Mr. A. A. Egwu supported the request for adjournment, highlighting the logistical challenges of holding such a large number of detainees. He confirmed that the police lacked adequate facilities to accommodate the suspects, leading to unsanitary conditions at the detention facility.
The court granted the prosecution’s motion to remand the defendants in correctional centers, ensuring better conditions pending their arraignment.
Police Accountability Conference Concludes in Delta State
In a related development, the 2024 Conference of Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) and Communications Experts concluded in Asaba, Delta State. Themed “Strengthening the Nigeria Police Force Oversight and Accountability,” the conference focused on enhancing police communication, accountability, public relations, and trust.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, lauded the conference as a significant milestone in improving policing strategies. He expressed gratitude to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for hosting the event.
Recognitions and Awards
During the conference, exemplary officers were honored, including PPROs from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bauchi, Delta, and Abia States, as well as ASP Julius Robinson, a tactical team commander from Delta State, for their outstanding contributions to law enforcement.
This development underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s dual commitment to addressing cybercrime and improving public accountability through strategic engagements.
