In a landmark ruling, Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, sentenced twelve Filipinos to one-year imprisonment for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. Delivered on May 23, 2025, the verdict followed their prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Consequently, the convicts now face both jail time and hefty fines.
The defendants—Anjeanette Topacio, Gladys Joy Mag-Iba, Jean Calago, Shairah Mae Reyes, and eight others—were charged with possessing fraudulent documents and committing cybercrimes.
Specifically, Topacio was accused of hacking systems to undermine Nigeria’s economy while recruiting locals for identity theft.
Moreover, her actions violated the Cybercrimes Act and the Terrorism Prevention Act, highlighting the severity of her offenses.
Similarly, Shairah Mae Reyes faced charges for using a fake Telegram document to impersonate a UK resident. This breach of the Advance Fee Fraud Act demonstrated her intent to deceive for financial gain. Meanwhile, all twelve defendants admitted guilt, prompting the EFCC’s prosecutors, N.K. Ukoha and H.U. Kofarnaisa, to demand swift convictions.
After reviewing the plea bargains, Justice Bogoro imposed a one-year jail term and a ₦1 million fine on each convict. Additionally, she ordered their deportation by the Nigeria Immigration Service post-sentence. Furthermore, all seized electronic devices were forfeited to the government, ensuring they cannot be reused for illegal activities.
The EFCC reaffirmed its dedication to fighting cybercrime, stressing that justice will prevail against digital fraudsters. By enforcing strict penalties, Nigeria aims to deter future offenses and protect its economic stability. Ultimately, this case serves as a warning to cybercriminals targeting the country.
