The Nigeria Police Force says 21 foreign nationals have been convicted for their role in a major cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
Police spokesperson DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the group was arrested during a coordinated raid on a building in Jahi, Abuja, which netted 130 suspects — 113 foreigners, mostly Chinese and Malaysian, and 17 Nigerians. They were accused of large-scale internet fraud, hacking, and other cyber offences that threatened national security and economic stability.
The suspects were arraigned on December 2, 2024. On August 1, 2025, 21 of them were sentenced following trials backed by digital forensic evidence and expert testimony. Prosecution of the remaining defendants is ongoing.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun said the convictions send a clear warning to both local and foreign cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for crime. He pledged continued use of advanced technology, global partnerships, and thorough investigations to dismantle such operations
