As five detained Brazilians seek separate trial
A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded 109 alleged foreign hackers in prison custody for attempting to defraud Nigerians. The defendants, who are citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar, face a six-count charge, including cybercrime and money laundering.
“It behoves on the defendants to provide their travel documents so that their proper names will be reflected on the charge sheet,” said Mr. James Onoja, SAN, counsel to the defendants.
The court adjourned the matter until next week Friday to enter the plea of the defendants. Meanwhile, five Brazilians among the defendants have requested a separate trial, citing fears for their safety due to extra-judicial statements they made to the police.
“My clients are afraid for their safety and will wish to be allowed to remain at the police facility,” said Mr. Eric Oba, counsel to the Brazilians.
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The defendants were arrested at a building in Abuja, where they were allegedly engaging in cybercrime. They are also accused of residing in Nigeria without valid resident permits or visas.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to commit cybercrime, accessed computers and networks without authority, and caused loss of property to persons in Nigeria and outside the country. They are also accused of promoting a fraudulent and unregistered gambling platform, and laundering proceeds generated from the platform.