Nigerian Court Again Postpones Cybercrime Trial of 109 Foreign Nationals
The trial of individuals linked to the websites “8pg.top,” “9f.com,” and “c2.top” from China, Indonesia, and Brazil has been rescheduled to October 22–23 due to the absence of the lead prosecutor, who cited conflicting commitments.
Trial Proceedings
Prosecutor’s Absence
On July 2, 2025, the scheduled hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja did not take place. A representative of the Inspector General of Police sent a formal request for adjournment.
Defense attorney Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN) opposed the delay, emphasizing the defense’s readiness to proceed. However, Judge Ekwo Ekere granted the adjournment, noting it was the first such request in the case.
History of Postponements
The trial was originally set for May 2025, then postponed to July 2, and has now been delayed again. Previous delays were due to the judge’s absence and the prosecutor’s failure to appear.
Charges and Case Background
Who Are the 109 Defendants?
The accused are citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar. They were arrested in Abuja in 2024 on charges of:
- cybercrime,
- money laundering,
- illegal residency in Nigeria.
Location of the Arrest
The suspects were apprehended at Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja, where they were allegedly operating fraudulent websites and promoting unregistered iGaming platforms.
Six-Count Indictment
According to case number FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024, the defendants face the following charges:
- Conspiracy and aiding cybercrime (Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015/2024)
- Inputting false information into computer networks (Section 13 of the same Act)
- Illegally transferring funds from 8pg.top, 9f.com, and c2.top — money laundering (Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022)
- Visa violations — overstaying 30-day business visas (Sections 4(2) and 44 of the Immigration Act)
Bail Conditions
Bail Terms
On November 29, 2024, Judge Ekere granted bail to the defendants under the following conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bail Amount | ₦1 billion |
| Number of Sureties | 5 |
| Sureties’ Assets | Each must own real estate worth at least ₦200 million |
| Additional Requirements | Submission of original and verified property documents; surrender of international passports |
Detention Prior to Bail Compliance
Male defendants are being held at Kuje Correctional Facility, while female defendants are in custody at Keffi Center in Nasarawa State.
iGaming Websites Still Accessible
Two of the mentioned platforms — 9f.com and c2.top — remain accessible in Nigeria despite the ongoing criminal proceedings.
Next Court Hearing
The trial has been rescheduled for October 22 and 23, 2025.