Authorities of the Nigerian police have said investigations regarding the activities of 130 suspected cybercriminals, comprising 113 Chinese and Malaysian nationals as well as 17 Nigerian collaborators who were arrested some time ago are capable of undermining the country’s security.
The Force also said their alleged high-level cyber-criminalities could also cause economic instability in Nigeria, adding robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies have corroborated that during the ongoing trial of the suspects.
Daily Trust had reported how operatives of the Force swooped on a particular property in Jahi area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on November 3, 2024, and nabbed no fewer than 130 suspects involved in cybercrime.
The operatives, while acting on intelligence coordinated a raid on the building, saying it was part of a broader cybercrime crackdown. Since then, the suspects have been in court.
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Giving an update on Sunday via a statement, the spokesman of the Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, explained that 21 among the suspects have been convicted but silent on their respective sentencing.
Adejobi said, “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.
“Following meticulous and painstaking investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2nd, 2024. The trial process, which involved the presentation of robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies, has progressed steadily through the judicial system.
“As of Friday, 1st August 2025, twenty-one of the accused have been convicted and sentenced by the competent court of jurisdiction. Prosecution of the remaining defendants continues, with the Police working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure full accountability.”
The senior cop noted that the Force would sustain its fight against cyber-related crimes and in protection of national security, adding that he would continue to keep Nigerians abreast as the matter progressed in court.
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.
“He emphasized that the conviction sends a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for criminal enterprises.
“The Force assures members of the public that it will continue to deploy cutting-edge technology, international collaboration and diligent investigative processes to dismantle organized cybercrime groups. Further updates on the ongoing prosecutions will be provided as the cases progress in court.”
