NIS DEPORTS CYBERCRIME CONVICTS.

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has deported 42 foreign nationals out of 192 convicted of cybercrime by the Federal High Court, Lagos.

These individuals include Chinese and Philippine nationals. They were part of a larger group arrested during a significant raid by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 10th December 2024.

EFCC also reported that the syndicate operated a large-scale cyber fraud operation. They used fake identities online to defraud victims. These actions violated the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.

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Furthermore, the Commission highlighted that these crimes threatened Nigeria’s security and financial integrity. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede called the deportations a significant milestone in the fight against cybercrime. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to intensifying investigations and recovering stolen funds. This effort allegedly aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.

The first batch of deportees left Nigeria at 2:00 p.m. local time on Sunday. These individuals faced charges related to cyber terrorism and Ponzi schemes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed that additional deportees will return to their home countries today and Tuesday.

The deportees will undergo airlift back to their countries after completing their sentences. The court mandated their deportation following a plea bargain agreement.

The collaborative efforts of EFCC and Nigerian Immigration Service in the fight against cybercrime is applaudable.