Nigerian Court Orders Deportation of 21 Foreign Hackers, Imposes ₦1 Million Fine Each
Abuja, Nigeria – August 5, 2025
A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced 21 foreign nationals for cybercrime-related offences, ordering their deportation and imposing a fine of ₦1 million on each of them.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Ekerete Akpan, following a plea bargain agreement entered into by the convicts with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The suspects, who were arrested earlier this year during a coordinated cybercrime investigation, pleaded guilty to charges including internet fraud, money laundering, and unlawful stay in Nigeria.
The EFCC revealed that the suspects were part of a wider cybercrime network operating illegal online gambling platforms such as 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top, which were used to defraud unsuspecting victims and launder funds out of the country.
In his ruling, Justice Akpan ordered that the 21 individuals be deported within six working days after completing their financial penalties, warning that failure to comply would result in further legal action.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the conviction and noted that the plea deal was reached in line with Section 270 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). He added that the court’s decision serves as a warning to others engaged in cybercrime activities in Nigeria.
These 21 are among a larger group of 109 foreign suspects currently facing trial for various cyber-related offences. Investigations are still ongoing, and more convictions are expected in the coming months.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating financial and cybercrime, especially those involving foreign nationals using Nigeria as a base for global fraud operations.
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