Nine Chinese citizens have been sentenced to one year in prison each by Justice D. Osiagor at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The individuals—Li Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng—were convicted for their involvement in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
They were arrested on December 19, 2024, during a large-scale crackdown known as the “Eagle Flush Operation” led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This operation targeted a group of 792 suspected criminals linked to cryptocurrency scams and online romance fraud.
Initially, all nine pleaded not guilty to the single charge brought against each of them. However, during their court appearance on June 5, 2025, they changed their pleas to guilty. Following this, the EFCC prosecutor, Nnaemeka Omewa, requested their conviction and sentencing. The defence team did not oppose the motion.
Justice Osiagor ruled in favour of the prosecution, sentencing each defendant to one year in prison, effective from their arrest date—December 10, 2024. In addition to the jail term, each convict was fined ₦1 million.
The court also directed that after serving their prison terms, the Nigeria Immigration Service must deport them within seven days. All electronic devices confiscated at the time of arrest—including mobile phones, laptops, computers, and routers—were ordered to be permanently forfeited to the Nigerian government.
