21 Foreigners Convicted for Cybercrime in Nigeria, Fined N1 Million Each

A Federal High Court in Abuja has found 21 foreigners guilty of serious cybercrime offenses in Nigeria.
The case was presided over by Justice Ekerete Akpan, who reportedly fined each offender ₦1 million and mandated that they leave the nation right away within six working days.
Speaking Tuesday, Justice Akpan stated that the punishment was the result of a voluntary plea bargain that the defendants and the Nigeria Police Force had made.

“I hereby convict you as charged when the defendants accept to the plea deal voluntarily. According to the parties’ agreement, each defendant will receive a fine of ₦1 million, which must be paid before they are released. The judge decided that they would have to leave the country within six working days.

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Additionally, the court mandated that the Federal Government lose any devices involved in the crimes.

109 foreign nationals are now being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police for offenses deemed to be dangers to Nigeria’s national security, money laundering, and cybercrime, including the 21 convicted individuals.

Court documents show that the convicted people are from Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Brazil, Indonesia, and China. They chose to accept the plea deal after being indicted on a six-count charge in 2024.

According to Justice Akpan’s ruling, the convicted individuals must pay their fines in full before being released and depart Nigeria within six working days.