Lagos court jails 4 Filipinos, 8 others over cyber-terrorism, online fraud

The Federal High Court in Lagos has jailed four Filipino nationals and eight Nigerians for their roles in an elaborate cyber-terrorism ring and internet-fraud operations that authorities say siphoned millions of naira from unsuspecting victims.

Justice Yellim Bogoro delivered the verdict on Friday, nearly six months after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, and arrested 729 people linked to an international Ponzi and identity-theft syndicate.

Those sentenced include Filipinos Reyna Mae Eriba, Chyna Samonte, Zara Fabian and Dominique Medina and Nigerians Chidera Ezechukwu, Favour Oluchukwu, Egwenum Ifeanyi, David Okezie, Gbenga Shittu Solomon, Ibraheem Olamilekan, Chinecherem Michael and Oghomienor Jotham.

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EFCC counsel Anita Imo, assisted by Suleiman I. Suleiman, H. U. Kofarnaisa and B. M. Isah, told the court that Samonte “willfully accessed computer systems with the intention to destabilise and destroy the economic and social structure of Nigeria” by recruiting young Nigerians to impersonate foreign nationals in online-dating scams and other swindles.

Investigators traced proceeds to multiple bank accounts, including ₦12.75 million allegedly laundered through a UBA account belonging to Chide Ezechukwu in May 2025.

The prosecution said the conduct breached Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (amended 2024), Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and Section 14(1)(b) of the Money-Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2004.

All 12 defendants pleaded guilty. Accepting the plea bargains, Justice Bogoro imposed custodial sentences with options of fine and ordered the forfeiture of vehicles, electronic devices, cash and other assets seized during the investigation.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service is hereby directed to repatriate the foreign convicts to their country of origin (Philippines) within seven days of completing their prison terms.”

“Gbenga Shittu Solomon is hereby sentenced to one year in prison with an option of N700,000 fine.”

“Oghomienor Jotham, Chinecherem Michael, Ibraheem Olamilekan, Chidera Ezechukwu Praise, David Okezie, Egwenum Ifeanyi, and Favour Oluchukwu, are hereby sentenced to one-year prison each, with the option of paying N500,000 in lieu of their prison sentence”.

Each of the four Filipinos received a one-year term with a ₦1 million fine alternative.

With the convictions concluded, immigration authorities have one week after their sentences elapse to deport the foreign nationals, while the Nigerians will serve their terms—or pay their fines—under the oversight of correctional services.