The trial of several Chinese nationals arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly recruiting Nigerian youths for identity theft and cybercrime has been delayed. The postponement occurred on Monday after the defendants refused to accept the court-appointed interpreter.
Presiding over the case, Justice Ayokunle Faji rescheduled the trial for March 4 and 5 to allow the defendants to secure an interpreter of their choice. The accused individuals include Zhao Ying Bin, Yu Zi (also known as Wei Xuehuan), Zhang Yang, Wang Zhi Cheng, and Genting International Co. Limited.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Hannatu Kofanaisa expressed readiness to move forward with the case. However, defence counsel N. Abraham, a former EFCC prosecutor, urged the court to postpone the trial. He argued that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015), every defendant must be granted adequate time and resources for their defence.
As a result, Justice Faji adjourned the matter, with the trial now set to commence on March 4 and 5.
The EFCC had initially arraigned the defendants on February 6, accusing them of engaging in cybercrime activities in Lagos on December 11, 2024. The charges allege that they unlawfully accessed computer systems in a manner that posed a serious threat to Nigeriaâs constitutional stability.
The commission further alleged that the suspects recruited Nigerian youths to commit identity theft, impersonating foreign nationals to gain financial benefits. These actions are said to violate Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which was amended in 2024.
Additionally, the EFCC charged Zhao Ying Bin with making a false statement by identifying himself as “Lisi Chuan” on his Telegram account. The agency claims he knowingly used this false identity to obtain financial instruments for his employer, an offence punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes Act.
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