Cybercrime: Police Secure Conviction Of 21 Foreign Nationals
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Nigeria Police Force, in its sustained fight against cyber-related crimes and in the protection of national security, has recorded a significant legal victory with the conviction of 21 foreign nationals involved in a high-profile cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement recalled that on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out a well-coordinated raid on a building located at Jahi, Abuja.
According to the statement, “The operation, which was part of a broader cybercrime crackdown, resulted in the arrest of 130 suspects, comprising 113 foreign nationals, predominantly of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and 17 Nigerian collaborators. These suspects were implicated in activities including large-scale internet fraud, hacking operations, and other cyber offences capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security and economic stability.”
It further explained that following meticulous and painstaking investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on 2nd December 2024.
The statement added that the trial process, which involved the presentation of robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies, progressed steadily through the judicial system and paid off on 1st August 2025 with the conviction of 21 of the accused, who were sentenced by a competent court of jurisdiction.
It assured that the prosecution of the remaining defendants would continue, with the Police working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure full accountability.
It stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the continuous dedication of the Force to intensifying the fight against all forms of cybercrime and emphasized that the conviction sends a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for criminal enterprises.
The Force further assured members of the public that it would continue to deploy cutting-edge technology, international collaboration, and diligent investigative processes to dismantle organized cybercrime groups.
