The Nigeria Police Force has announced the conviction of 21 foreign nationals linked to a major cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement on Sunday that the syndicate was exposed following a coordinated police raid on November 3, 2024, at a building in Jahi, Abuja.
Acting on intelligence, operatives arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals — mostly of Chinese and Malaysian origin — and 17 Nigerians. The group was accused of engaging in large-scale internet fraud, hacking, and other cyber offences that threatened Nigeria’s national security and economy.
Adejobi said the suspects were arraigned on December 2, 2024, and on August 1, 2025, 21 of them were convicted and sentenced by a competent court. He did not disclose the sentences handed down.
The police spokesman noted that robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies were instrumental in securing the convictions. He added that prosecutions of the remaining defendants are ongoing in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the Force’s commitment to combating cybercrime, stressing that the convictions send a clear message to both local and foreign cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not be a safe haven.
Adejobi assured that the Force would continue to use advanced technology, international cooperation, and thorough investigations to dismantle organised cybercrime groups.
