The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday arraigned several foreign nationals before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime and attempt to destabilise the nation.
The defendants, who include Filipinos, Indonesians and Chinese nationals, are standing trial before Justice Musa Kakaki, on a two-count charge bordering on cybercrime, and identity theft.
The defendants are Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, and Kimbaley Nisperos.
Others are Winnie De Jesus, Shairah Reyes, Gladys Joy, May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio.
The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, Mr N.K. Ukoha, urged the court to also enter a plea of not guilty, against a company, Genting Internation C.O. Ltd, also allegedly linked to the charge, but not represented by counsel
Following the defendants’ plea, the prosecutor urged the court to remand them in a correctional facility, pending trial.
But the Defence Counsel, Mrs Bridget Omoteno, raised objection and urged the court to grant a short adjournment to enable parties explore plea bargain option.
Justice Kakaki, however, granted the prosecutor’s request and ordered the remand of the defendants in custody of the correctional service, pending trial.
The judge adjourned the case until the March 18 and March 20, for trial.
According to the charge, the defendants and the company allegedly committed the offence on Dec. 18, 2024, in Lagos.
They were said to have wilfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria, when they procured Nigerian youths for identity theft.
They were alleged to have done so with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene the provisions of sections 18, 22, and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act, 2015 (as amended)
