The Nigeria Police Force has secured a major legal victory in its ongoing fight against cybercrime and efforts to protect national security, with the conviction of twenty-one (21) foreign nationals linked to a high-profile cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the breakthrough followed a coordinated operation on November 3, 2024, in Jahi, Abuja, based on credible intelligence. The raid led to the arrest of 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals—mainly of Chinese and Malaysian origin—and 17 Nigerian accomplices.
The suspects were accused of engaging in large-scale internet fraud, hacking, and other cyber offences that threatened Nigeria’s national security and economic stability. Following extensive investigations, they were arraigned in court on December 2, 2024. Robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies were presented during the trial. By August 1, 2025, twenty-one of the defendants had been convicted and sentenced, while prosecutions for the remaining suspects are ongoing in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to combating cybercrime, stressing that the convictions send a clear warning to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for such activities. He added that the Force will continue to leverage advanced technology, international partnerships, and thorough investigative work to dismantle organized cybercrime groups, with further updates to be shared as court proceedings continue.
