The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned 18 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before Justice Daniel Osiagor, of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The defendants are part of the larger 792 persons arrested in December 2024 in Lagos, for alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud, during a sting operation tagged ‘Eagle Flush Operation’ conducted by EFCC operatives.

Those arraigned are: Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Deng Wei Qiang, Fu Min, Qin Xiao Yong, Li Dong, Li De Wen, Luo Mao Yang, Zhao Xiao Hui, Du Ji Feng, Liu Hai Rong, Liu Ni Ni, Liu Gang, Sun Qi, Zhang Jian, Peng Fa li and Huo Wen Jie.

They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.

Some of the suspects arrive in court on February 21, 2025. Credit: X/@officialEFCC

One of the charges reads: “That you Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Genting International Co. Ltd and A. Dao (at large) sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired with yourselves to commit an offence to wit: cause to be accessed, computer systems for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economic and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 27 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 18 (1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015.”

They also pleaded “not guilty” to the offences.

In view of their pleas, the EFCC asked the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the appropriate correctional centre.

Justice Osiagor adjourned the matter till May 5, 2025, for trial, and subsequently ordered the remand of the defendants at the Ikoyi correctional centre. (Channels TV)