The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned 20 foreign nationals before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged cybercrime and attempt to destabilise Nigeria’s social and economic structures.
The defendants include 15 Filipinos, one Indonesian, and four Chinese nationals.
Some of the foreigners are: Kayceelyn Remorin, Jonylyn Agulto, Donny Hermanto, Guo Bin, Darwa Esmael, Lari Jane Tayac, Jhena Samiento, Jessa Sai Chui, Rain Torida, Kimbaley Nisperos, Winnie De Jesus, Shairah May Reyes, Gladys Joy May Iba, Jean Calaga, Huo Wen Jie, Zhao Sui Tao, Gong An Penguna Yua, and Anjeannet Topacio, among others.
When the matter was called, the prosecution counsel N. K. Ukoha, prayed that the charges against the defendants be read so that they could take their plea.
When the charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty to them.
Ukoha asked that the plea of not guilty be entered against the corporate person linked to the charge – Genting Internation C. O. Limited – which was not represented by any person, as required by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
The lawyer also pleaded with the court to remand the defendants in the custody of Nigeria Correctional Service, pending trial.
But counsel to the defendants, Bridget Omoteno and B. A. Ukpai, opposed the move.
They prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable the defendants explore the possibility of a plea bargain with the prosecution.
After listening to the parties, Justice Kakaki granted the prosecutor’s prayer and remanded the defendants in the Nigerian Correctional Services’ custody pending trial.
The judge adjourned the case till 18 and 20 March for trial.
