By Francis Ajuonuma
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has deported another batch of 51 foreign nationals found guilty of cyber-related offences in Nigeria.
According to the agencies, the deportees consist of 50 Chinese citizens and one Tunisian, all of whom were convicted and sentenced for internet fraud and cyber-terrorism.
Their removal from the country adds to an earlier group of deportees, bringing the total number of foreign convicts repatriated so far to 102 since the exercise began on August 15.
The latest action follows months of legal proceedings against members of a transnational cybercrime syndicate that had established a strong base in Lagos.
The network was dismantled during a sting operation by the EFCC after intelligence revealed that the group was behind one of the largest foreign-run cyber fraud rings in the country.
Last Sunday, 42 convicts, made up of Chinese and Philippine nationals, were deported after serving their sentences in line with court orders.
Authorities have confirmed that more deportations will take place in the coming days as part of the ongoing exercise.
The arrests trace back to December 10, 2024, when the EFCC raided a facility on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
During the raid, 759 suspects were apprehended, of whom 192 were foreign nationals, primarily Chinese and Philippine citizens, who were prosecuted and convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate had been operating a large-scale cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme, with recruits trained under Genting International Co. Limited to carry out internet scams.
The charges filed by the EFCC included identity theft, advance fee fraud, and other cyber-enabled financial crimes prohibited under Nigerian law.
In sentencing, the court ruled that the convicted foreigners be deported to their home countries after serving their prison terms, in line with provisions of the law.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, hailed the convictions and deportations as a significant step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption and cybersecurity campaign. He noted that dismantling the network not only disrupted a major fraud syndicate but also sent a clear message about the country’s resolve to safeguard its financial systems and national security.
