Why 113 foreign nationals are standing trial in Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has confirmed that the Nigerian police arrested 113 foreign nationals for their involvement in cybercrime activities, with prosecution now underway.

The suspects were apprehended by the Police National Cybercrime Center (NCCC) on November 3, 2024, in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

A wide array of digital equipment was seized from the suspects, believed to have been used in their criminal operations.

Among the recovered items were a Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, laptops, smartphones, tablets, desktops, and routers from MTN, Huawei, Airtel, D-Link, and Starlink.

Gaming consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5, high-capacity servers, drones, and specialised cybercrime tools were also found, alongside international passports, identity cards, SIM cards from various service providers, and travel documents.

“These assets are suspected to have been used for unauthorised data breaches, marketing scams, and other illegal activities within the cybercrime ecosystem,” stated the IGP, Egbetokun.

He pointed to the growing global threat posed by cross-border cybercriminal syndicates and the increasing scale and sophistication of their operations.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing charges including computer-related fraud, unlawful data access, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration.

The IGP commended the NCCC and the Police operatives attached to Zone 7 Command for dismantling the international cybercrime network, which is also linked to human trafficking.

He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to working with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track down cybercriminals and ensure they face justice.

“We will continue to combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law,” Egbetokun added.

The operation represents a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its cyberspace and prosecute those exploiting it for illicit gain.

Cybercrime problem in Nigeria

Cybercrime is a significant problem in Nigeria, with the country ranking among the top 10 countries in the world for cybercrime.

The lack of effective legislation and poor cybersecurity infrastructure have contributed to the prevalence of cybercrime in Nigeria.

Additionally, high unemployment and poverty rates have driven some individuals to engage in cybercrime as a means of survival.

Corruption is also a significant problem in Nigeria, and it can facilitate cybercrime by allowing criminals to bribe their way out of trouble.

The consequences of cybercrime in Nigeria are severe, with significant financial losses, damage to reputation, national security risks, and loss of trust in online transactions and digital services.

To combat cybercrime, the Nigerian government has enacted the Cybercrime Act 2015 and developed a National Cybersecurity Policy.

The government has also established a cybercrime reporting system and is investing in capacity building initiatives to enhance cybersecurity awareness and skills.

Penalties

Cybercrime penalties in Nigeria are outlined in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, Etc.) Amendment Act, 2024.

The penalties for various cybercrimes include imprisonment, fines, or both.

For instance, hacking can result in imprisonment for a term of not more than five years, a fine of not more than ₦5 million, or both.

Similarly, phishing can result in imprisonment for a term of three years, a fine of ₦1 million, or both.

The penalties for more serious cybercrimes are even stiffer.

For example, cyber terrorism can result in life imprisonment, while electronic theft can result in imprisonment for a term of seven years in the first instance and upon second conviction, 14 years’ imprisonment.

Additionally, the Act also provides for penalties for other cybercrimes such as identity theft, cyberstalking, and cybersquatting.

These penalties are aimed at deterring the crime and protecting individuals and organizations from cyber threats.

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