21 Foreigners Convicted Over Abuja Cybercrime Ring
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the conviction of 21 foreign nationals linked to a high-profile cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Sunday that the syndicate was discovered during a coordinated raid in Jahi, Abuja, on November 3, 2024.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals — mainly Chinese and Malaysian — and 17 Nigerians.
Following investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2, 2024. Adejobi disclosed that by August 1, 2025, 21 of them had been convicted and sentenced, though he did not reveal the details of their sentences.
According to him, “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 in November 2024.
“It will be 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.
“The operation… 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.”
Adejobi explained that the trial involved robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimony, with the remaining suspects still facing prosecution.
He added, “The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the continuous dedication of the Force to intensifying the fight against all forms of cybercrime.
The conviction sends a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a haven for criminal enterprises.”
The police assured that further updates would be given as the other cases progress in court.
