11 Filipinos jailed in Nigeria over cyber fraud

15 Asian nationals, including 11 Filipinos, have been convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud in Nigeria, following separate rulings issued on 30 May by Justice Yellin Bogoro and Justice Alexander Owoeye.

The convictions stemmed from the Nigerian government’s “Eagle Flush Operation” in December 2024, a surprise raid led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that apprehended 193 foreign nationals at a suspected cybercrime hub in Victoria Island, Lagos.

The convicted individuals include Filipinos Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (also known as Madison), and Beverlyin Gumayo (aka Veb Sumayo). Other nationals involved are Chinese citizens Zeng Zerong and Guo Bin, Malaysian Tan Soon Kar, and Indonesian Fernando Fu Fang.

Each defendant was sentenced to one year of imprisonment and fined ₦1,000,000 (approximately P75,000). The court also ordered the forfeiture of all electronic devices used in the commission of the crimes to the Nigerian government.

In addition, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service has been directed to deport the convicts to their respective countries within seven days after serving their sentence.