The Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja said it has secured the conviction of 21 foreign nationals connected to a cybercrime syndicate uncovered by its operatives in Abuja in November 2024.
The suspects were arrested following a coordinated raid on their operational headquarters located in Jahi, Abuja, on November, 3, 2024.
Force public relations officer, Olumiyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued in Abuja, said acting on intelligence, operatives arrested 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals — mainly of Chinese and Malaysian origin — and 17 Nigerians.
Adejobi, in the statement said after investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2, 2024, and were convicted and sentenced on August 1, 2025.
Adejobi’s statement reads;, “The Nigeria Police Force, in its sustained fight against cyber-related crimes and in the protection of national security, has recorded a significant legal victory with the conviction of 21 foreign nationals involved in a high-profile cybercrime syndicate uncovered in Abuja in November 2024.
“It will be recalled that on Saturday, 3rd November 2024, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force carried out a well-coordinated raid on a building located at Jahi, Abuja.
“The operation, which was part of a broader cybercrime crackdown, resulted in the arrest of 130 suspects, comprising 113 foreign nationals, predominantly of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and 17 Nigerian collaborators. These suspects were implicated in activities including large-scale internet fraud, hacking operations, and other cyber offences capable of undermining Nigeria’s national security and economic stability.
“Following meticulous and painstaking investigations, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2nd, 2024. The trial process, which involved the presentation of robust digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies, has progressed steadily through the judicial system. As of Friday, August 1 2025, 21 of the accused have been convicted and sentenced by the competent court of jurisdiction. ”
The FPRO, while noting that Adejobi the prosecution of the remaining defendants is ongoing, with the Police working alongside the Ministry of Justice, said
“The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the continuous dedication of the Force to intensifying the fight against all forms of cybercrime.
He said the conviction sends a strong message to both local and international cybercriminal networks that Nigeria will not serve as a haven for criminal enterprises.
“The Force assures members of the public that it will continue to deploy cutting-edge technology, international collaboration, and diligent investigative processes to dismantle organised cybercrime groups. Further updates on the ongoing prosecutions will be provided as the cases progress in court”.
