Nine Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., were on Thursday, February 7, arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over allegations of cyber terrorism and internet fraud.

The defendants, who were arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The defendants were Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, Ting Liao, Fan Jia, Feng Li Cani, Lu Yong Yao and Yang Chen Cheng.

According to the EFCC, the accused are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 10, 2024, in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by its operatives.

The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretences and identity theft, among others.

In view of their pleas, the prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, prayed to the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the correctional centre.

Following their pleas, Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial and also remanded the defendants at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The development comes only two days after the anti-graft agency arraigned 11 Chinese for similar offences before the same Federal High Court in Lagos.