FG arraigns 130 foreigners, others for alleged cybercrimes
The Federal Government is set to arraign 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals and 17 Nigerians, for their alleged involvement in high-profile cybercrimes, hacking activities, and offences that threaten Nigeria’s national security.
The group, which includes 87 male and 26 female foreign nationals, predominantly from China and Malaysia, alongside four male and 13 female Nigerians, was apprehended during a high-stakes police operation in Abuja.
The Nigeria Police Force conducted the operation through a coordinated raid on a building located in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja. The raid targeted individuals allegedly using computers and other advanced technological devices to perpetrate criminal activities.
The successful operation was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, AIG Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, November 3, 2024. It involved a joint task force comprising officers from the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC).
The suspects will be arraigned before Justice Ekerete Akpan at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The charges include engaging in cybercrimes, hacking, and acts deemed a threat to the nation’s security.
The arrest and subsequent arraignment underscore the government’s resolve to combat cybercrime, which has been a growing challenge in Nigeria. The suspects are believed to be part of an organised network that exploits digital tools to commit crimes, posing significant risks to national security and the economy.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Benneth Igweh, praised the collaborative efforts of the officers involved in the operation, stating, “This operation reflects our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding our cyber environment.”
Cybercrime has become a major concern globally, and Nigeria is no exception. Security agencies continue to call on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities as part of efforts to secure the nation’s digital space.
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