The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one Indonesian and one Pakistani before separate Federal High Courts sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
They were arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justices Ayokunle Faji; D.I. Dipeolu; Alexander Owoeye and C.J. Aneke, respectively.
The suspects are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, impersonation, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.
They each pleaded not guilty to the offences when they were read to them.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, L.P. Aso, M.K. Bashir, N. K. Ukoha, T.J. Banjo, M. S. Owede, B.B. Buhari, C.C.Okezie, H.U. Kofarnaisa and Z.B.Atiku, respectively prayed the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the appropriate correctional centres.
Justice Faji adjourned the matter till February 10, 11, 17, 18, 19 and 2025.
While Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter till February 7, 15, 21, 24 and 28, 2025.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 20, 21, 24, 28 and March 18, 2025; and Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till March 7, 2025, for trial and remanded the defendants at both Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.
