Court Grants N1bn Bail to 109 Foreigners Arrested for Cybercrime

by Nicholas Walter

The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted a bail of ₦1 billion to 109 foreign nationals who were arrested in connection with alleged cybercrime activities. The court has imposed stringent conditions, including the surrender of original passports by the defendants and their sureties, to the deputy registrar of the court.

Presiding Justice Peter Lifu made the decision following the arraignment of the defendants by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to the EFCC, the foreign nationals were apprehended in a sweeping operation targeting cybercrime activities in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

Defendants Face Strict Bail Conditions

The bail conditions set by the court are among the most rigorous in recent cases involving cybercrime. Each defendant is required to provide a surety who must also deposit their original passport with the court. This measure is designed to ensure that the accused individuals do not abscond during the trial process.

The judge emphasized the importance of securing compliance with the court’s directives. Justice Lifu stated:

“The defendants are to surrender their original passports to the Deputy Registrar of the court, and the sureties must also do the same.”

EFCC’s Allegations Against the Foreign Nationals Judicial Oversight

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accused the foreign nationals of being part of a sophisticated cybercrime network. The EFCC stated that the suspects were apprehended with incriminating devices, including laptops, phones, and hard drives allegedly used to perpetrate fraud on a global scale.

In a statement issued shortly after the arraignment, the EFCC revealed that this operation forms part of its intensified efforts to combat cybercrime, which has placed Nigeria under increased international scrutiny.

“The suspects were arrested during a joint operation aimed at dismantling cybercrime syndicates operating within and beyond Nigeria,” said an EFCC representative.

The bail ruling has sparked significant discussions about the country’s legal response to high-profile cybercrime cases. Critics argue that despite the financial and procedural rigor of the bail terms, the release of such a large number of defendants may pose challenges in ensuring judicial compliance.

As the case moves forward, the focus will remain on the judiciary’s ability to balance public interest, judicial efficiency, and the rights of the accused.