Lagos court sentences four Filipinos, seven Nigerians for cyberterrorism, internet fraud

On Friday, June 13, 2025, the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully prosecuted four Filipinos and seven Nigerians. Justice Yellim Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, delivered the verdict after thorough proceedings. The convicted Filipinos are Reyna Mae Eriba, Chyna Samonte, Zara Fabian, and Dominique Medina. Meanwhile, the Nigerians include Chidera Ezechukwu, Favour Oluchukwu, Egwenum Ifeanyi, David Okezie, Gbenga Shittu Solomon, Ibraheem Olamilekan, and Oghomienor Jotham.

The defendants faced multiple charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act (2015, amended 2024), the Terrorism Act (2022), and the Money Laundering Act. Authorities specifically accused them of orchestrating schemes that threatened national security and economic stability. For instance, Chyna Samonte allegedly hacked computer systems in December 2024 to recruit Nigerian youths for identity theft. This action violated Sections 18 and 2(3)(d) of the respective laws, leading to severe legal consequences.

During the trial, all eleven defendants pleaded guilty, prompting the prosecution team to demand convictions and forfeitures. The prosecution team included Anita Imo, S.I. Suleiman, H.U. Kofarnaisa, and B.M. Isah. Consequently, Justice Bogoro sentenced the convicted Filipinos to one year in prison or a N1,000,000 fine, followed by deportation. Similarly, Gbenga Shittu Solomon received one year or a N700,000 fine, while the remaining Nigerians faced one year or a N500,000 fine.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of all recovered assets, including vehicles, devices, and funds, to the federal government. The EFCC reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating cybercrime, emphasizing that such offenses endanger individuals and national interests. This case underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strictly enforce its laws and collaborate internationally. By holding perpetrators accountable, the EFCC aims to safeguard the country’s economic and social stability while deterring future criminal activities.

Meanwhile, Chidera Ezechukwu possessed N12,750,318.63 from an online dating scam, breaching the Money Laundering Act.

During the trial, all eleven defendants pleaded guilty, prompting the prosecution team—led by Anita Imo, S.I. Suleiman, H.U. Kofarnaisa, and B.M. Isah—to demand convictions and forfeitures. Consequently, Justice Bogoro sentenced Reyna Mae Eriba, Chyna Samonte, Zara Fabian, and Dominique Medina to one year in prison or a N1,000,000 fine, followed by deportation. Similarly, Gbenga Shittu Solomon received one year or a N700,000 fine, while the remaining Nigerians faced one year or a N500,000 fine. Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of all recovered assets, including vehicles, devices, and funds, to the federal government.

The EFCC reaffirmed its dedication to eradicating cybercrime, stressing that such offenses endanger both individuals and national interests. This case underscores Nigeria’s resolve to enforce its laws strictly and collaborate internationally to combat cyberterrorism and fraud. By holding perpetrators accountable, the EFCC aims to safeguard the country’s economic and social stability while deterring future criminal activities.

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