Nigeria Begins Deportation of 42 Convicted Chinese and Philippine Nationals Over Cyberterrorism and Ponzi Fraud
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced the deportation of 42 foreign nationals, comprising Chinese and Philippine citizens, who were convicted of cyberterrorism and Ponzi scheme-related offences.
The deportation, which began today, Sunday, August 18, 2025, marks the first phase of the repatriation process involving 192 convicts. According to NIS, additional batches of deportees will be airlifted on Monday and Tuesday to conclude the operation.
Background of the Convictions
The convicts were part of a syndicate of 759 suspects arrested on December 10, 2024, in a coordinated raid at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The large-scale operation uncovered a network engaged in cyber fraud and Ponzi schemes targeting unsuspecting victims in Nigeria and abroad.
Following intensive prosecutions by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), 192 foreigners—majorly Chinese and Philippine nationals—were convicted under various charges. These included the use of fake online identities, training staff of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices, and multiple violations under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
EFCC’s Position on the Crackdown
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, hailed the deportation exercise as a critical milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime and financial fraud. He emphasised that the convictions and subsequent deportations reflect the government’s determination to dismantle transnational crime networks that undermine national security and financial integrity.
“This deportation exercise is a strong message to cybercriminal syndicates operating within and outside our borders. Nigeria will not be a safe haven for fraud, terrorism financing, or illicit financial flows,” Olukoyede declared. He further stressed that the EFCC remains committed to intensifying investigations, recovering stolen funds, and restoring Nigeria’s reputation globally, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.
A Landmark Anti-Cybercrime Operation
The December 2024 raid has been described as one of the most extensive anti-cybercrime operations in Nigeria’s history. Security analysts say the crackdown not only disrupted a major criminal network but also demonstrated Nigeria’s resolve to collaborate with international partners in tackling financial crimes that transcend borders.
By completing the deportation of all 192 convicts by Tuesday, authorities hope to send a deterrent signal while simultaneously strengthening international cooperation against cyber-enabled fraud.
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