Abuja, March 25, 2025 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned four Chinese nationals and a Nigerian before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, for allegedly operating a fraudulent hotel review scheme.
The accused—Liu Zhiwei, Chen Ye Qui, Zhang Xiao Wen, Lan Shun Bin, and Nwakama Chinyere Ogbonna—were charged with conspiracy, cheating, and impersonation before Justice Aliyu Halilu.
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Allegations Against the Defendants
According to the EFCC, the suspects allegedly manipulated hotel ratings by using fictitious identities to falsely promote hotels, including London-based establishments, as five-star accommodations in exchange for payments of $5 per review.
The charges read in part:
- Count One: The defendants conspired to cheat unsuspecting individuals by using fake profiles to enhance hotel ratings fraudulently, contrary to Sections 96(1)(a) and 97(1)(2) of the Penal Code (Abuja), 1990.
- Count Two: Nwakama Chinyere Ogbonna, allegedly impersonating a customer service representative, facilitated the fraud under false pretenses, violating Sections 321 and 324 of the Penal Code (Abuja), 1990.
Court Proceedings & Bail Hearing
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecuting counsel, Maryam Aminu Ahmed, to request their remand in custody pending trial. However, defense counsel Yahaya Dangana, SAN, applied for bail.
Justice Aliyu Halilu adjourned the bail hearing to March 27, 2025, ordering that:
- Liu, Chen, Zhang, and Lan be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
- Nwakama Chinyere Ogbonna be held at Suleja Correctional Centre.
EFCC Crackdown on Online Scams
The defendants were among 105 suspects arrested on January 9, 2025, in a business apartment in Gudu, Abuja, during an EFCC operation targeting online scam syndicates. The hotel review job scam allegedly exploited victims across Europe and other regions.
The trial is set to continue, as EFCC intensifies efforts to combat cyber fraud and financial crimes in Nigeria.
