By Nkechi Eze
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has successfully concluded the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted and sentenced for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and other related financial crimes in Lagos State.
According to an official statement signed by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the final batch of 51 convicts, comprising 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, was deported on Wednesday, 16 October 2025, marking the completion of the repatriation exercise that began on 15 August 2025. The move followed their conviction by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.
Mr. Oyewale explained that the deportation exercise stemmed from the arrest and successful prosecution of 759 suspects during a major sting operation carried out by the EFCC on 10 December 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The operation, conducted on the strength of credible and actionable intelligence, uncovered a large-scale cyber syndicate operated by foreign nationals in collaboration with Nigerian accomplices.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate was operating under the guise of Genting International Co. Limited, a front company used to facilitate cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes, identity theft, and online fraud targeting both local and international victims. Further findings indicated that the convicted foreigners had trained recruits and managed multiple digital platforms used to defraud unsuspecting individuals and institutions.
The EFCC spokesperson noted that the deportation was carried out in phases in accordance with court directives and established immigration procedures. The first batch of 42 convicts—comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals—was repatriated on 15 August 2025. Subsequent deportations took place throughout August and September before the final group departed in mid-October.
The 192 deported convicts include nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. Their removal from Nigeria was executed by the Nigerian Immigration Service following the completion of their respective sentences, as directed by the courts.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to dismantling transnational criminal networks operating within Nigeria’s borders and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to protect the nation’s cyber space from exploitation. The Commission assured Nigerians that it remains resolute in enforcing the law against all forms of financial crimes, irrespective of nationality, in collaboration with both local and international partners.
