The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned another set of foreigners comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals before the Federal High court in Lagos on charges of cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence, identity theft, among others.
The foreigners were separately arraigned before four justices of the court; Justice Olayinka Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye.
10 foreigners were arraigned before Justice Faji, 6 were arraigned before Justice Aneke and 16 others were arraigned before Justice Dipeolu, most of them Chinese nationals.
Also 13 Filipino Nationals were arraigned before Justice Alexander Owoeye.
Upon arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty and the justices ordered that they all be remanded at the correctional facilities pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.
In the charge against them, the defendants were accused of secretly procuring and employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer related fraud.
The offences are punishable under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
Some of the defendants who were arraigned before the courts are Cherry De Leon (A.K.A Yesh De Leon), Khurram Shanzad, Fernad Fu Fang (A.K.A Kim), Tan Soon Kar, Rex Jose Dilag (A.K.A Madison), Jamal Polea, Jamilyn Jaynee Gonzalez (A.K.A Jam Galanza) and Hannah Jaramillo (A.K.A Max De Leon).
Others Lin Haobo, An Hongxu (a.k.a Ruike), Shitou Shizilong, Pan Jiong, Zhow Kunji, Huang Xiao Liang (a.k.a Liu Xiao Liang), Peng Sen Lin (a.k.a Peng Song Lin, Pen Sen Ling, Dong Fang Hong, Huang Ren Jan, Shi Yang Xiong, Lu Yi Liang, Guo Giang (a.k.a Lisa), Wen Zong Xu, Pan Cai Yu, and Guo Zhi Yong.
Other defendants are Danica Manulit (A.K.A. Dan Ruiz), Vera Dela Cris (A.K.A. Nina Vera Gonzal), Joey Gracia, Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (A.K.A. Sumayo), and Tricia Jenylyn Castro (Alias T. J. Castro).
Trial in the cases have been adjourned to various dates in February and March with the earliest trial expected to commence February 7, 2025.
