The trial of Chinese nationals detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on suspicion of cybercrimes was postponed yesterday by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
After the defendants refused the translator the court provided, Justice Ayokunle Faji postponed the hearing till March 4 and 5 in order to obtain a preferred interpreter.Zhao Ying Bin, Yuzi (also known as Wei Xuehuan), Zhang Yang, Weng Zhi Cheng, and Genting International Co. Limited are the defendants.
Hannatu Kofanaisa, the prosecution’s attorney, wanted the trial to go forward. N. Abraham, the defense attorney, however, sought the court to adjourn in accordance with the 2015 Administration of Criminal Justice Act, which stipulates that each defendant must be provided with sufficient resources to defend themselves.
“Willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organized to seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of Nigeria,” according to the EFCC.
IREPORT247NEW reported that 57 foreigners, including Chinese and Filipinos, were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with impersonation, fraud, and attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure at a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday. They were each arraigned separately before Justice Alexander Owoeye, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, and Justice Ayokunle Faji.
The commission obtained an interim forfeiture order for $222,729.86 worth of digital assets related to fraudulent actions purportedly committed by Filipino and Chinese individuals.
Read more57 Foreigners Arraigned by EFCC