IGP Confirms Prosecution of 113 Foreign Nationals for Alleged Cyber Crimes

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector general of Police (IGP), has confirmed that 113 foreign nationals are being prosecuted following their arrest by the Police National Cybercrime Center (NCCC) for their involvement in cybercrime activities.

The arrests were made on November 3, 2024, in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The arrested suspects were found with a range of digital equipment believed to be used in their cybercriminal operations.

Items seized include a Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, multiple laptops, smartphones, tablets, desktops, routers from MTN, Huawei, Airtel, D-Link, and Starlink, gaming consoles such as a Sony PlayStation 5, as well as high-capacity servers, drones, and specialized cybercrime equipment. Also recovered were international passports, identity cards, SIM cards from various service providers, and travel documents.

“These assets are suspected to have been used for unauthorized data breaches, marketing scams, and other illegal activities within the cybercrime ecosystem,” the IGP stated.

He emphasized the growing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates that operate across borders, noting the scale and sophistication of the operation.

In a statement by ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, Force public relations officer, it was confirmed that the suspects have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing charges such as computer-related fraud, unlawful data access, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration.

The IGP further commended the NCCC, as well as the Police operatives attached to Zone 7 Command, for their role in dismantling this international cybercrime ring, which is also linked to human trafficking networks.

He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track down cybercriminals and bring them to justice.

“We will continue to combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law,” Egbetokun added.

The operation marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its cyber space and prosecute those who expl