The long arm of Nigeria’s cyber law just caught a fresh batch — 59 foreign nationals, mostly from China and Malaysia, have been convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja for running what police described as an international cybercrime ring.

The convicts were part of a 130-member syndicate busted in November 2024 during a dramatic police raid on a building in the Jahi area of Abuja. Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) said the raid followed weeks of surveillance and “actionable intelligence.”

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects — 113 foreigners and 17 Nigerians — had their digital fingerprints all over large-scale internet scams, hacking operations, and other tech-enabled frauds that threatened the country’s cybersecurity.

“Fifty-nine of them have now been convicted, adding to the 26 sentenced earlier this year. That brings the total convictions in the case to 85,” Hundeyin said in a statement on Thursday.

He described the convictions as “a major milestone” in Nigeria’s war against cybercrime — one that sends a clear message that “Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for digital fraudsters, foreign or local.”

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, hailed the development, noting that the force is leveraging advanced forensic technology and international partnerships to hunt down and prosecute cybercriminal networks.

The 59 convicts were linked to a sophisticated scam hub where computers, fake company records, and cloned bank databases were reportedly recovered. Digital forensic analysis reportedly tied several of them to ongoing cross-border financial crimes.

In August, another 51 foreign nationals — mostly Chinese — were deported after similar convictions for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. Thursday’s sentencing brings the total number of deported convicts in 2025 to 102.

The latest crackdown underscores the government’s stepped-up efforts to clean up Nigeria’s digital space, even as online scams continue to evolve faster than most firewalls can blink.

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Lawal Faruq for allegedly setting his ex-girlfriend on fire at a military barracks in Ibadan, the state capital.

It was gathered that the incident occurred earlier this week after the relationship between Faruq and the victim, Omolola Hassan, turned sour.

According to reports shared by counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama on X, the suspect claimed he and the victim had taken a traditional oath never to part ways. However, after the relationship ended, he allegedly became enraged, doused her with petrol, and set her ablaze.

Witnesses said military personnel at the barracks quickly intervened, putting out the flames and rushing the victim to Yawiri Hospital, Akobo, for treatment. The suspect was apprehended and handed over to the police.

Makama wrote, “The victim, Omolola Hassan, was reportedly doused with petrol and set on fire by the suspect, who was said to have been angered over the breakdown of their relationship. Military personnel at the barracks quickly intervened and extinguished the fire before rushing the victim to hospital. The suspect, who claimed they had taken an oath never to separate, is currently in custody.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing.

“Investigation is ongoing,” Osifeso said in a brief message.

Credit: The Punch

The Federal Government has clarified that no inmate has been released under the recent Presidential Prerogative of Mercy exercise announced by President Bola Tinubu, explaining that the process is still undergoing final administrative review.

The clarification follows widespread criticism and public mockery that trailed the announcement of pardons granted to various individuals convicted of different crimes.

President Tinubu had recently approved a pardon for nationalist Sir Herbert Macaulay and 174 others, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and Major General Mamman Vatsa, who was executed in 1986 over an alleged coup plot.

The list also reportedly included Maryam Sanda, who was sentenced to death in 2020 for killing her husband, alongside other inmates whose sentences were either commuted or reduced after recommendations by the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The announcement drew sharp reactions from Nigerians who questioned the diligence of the process, alleging that some of those granted clemency were convicted drug traffickers and kidnappers — a move critics said undermined efforts to curb crime.

However, in a statement on Thursday, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated that the exercise is still at the stage of verifying and reviewing the list of proposed beneficiaries before formal release orders can be issued.

Fagbemi explained that although the Council of State had approved the recommendations, the final phase of the process involves detailed scrutiny to ensure full compliance with legal and procedural standards.

“The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice wishes to clarify that no inmate approved for clemency under the recent exercise of the President’s power of prerogative of mercy has been released from custody.

“The process remains at the final administrative stage, which includes a standard review to ensure that all names and recommendations fully comply with established legal and procedural requirements before any instrument of release is issued,” the statement read.

He added that only after the formal instrument of implementation is signed will the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service be authorised to release any beneficiary.

According to the AGF, the review process reflects the government’s commitment to transparency, due diligence, and respect for the rule of law.

Fagbemi commended the public for its engagement and scrutiny of the process, describing it as a positive sign of Nigerians’ dedication to justice and good governance.

“There is no delay in the process; it is simply following the law to the letter to ensure that only those duly qualified benefit from the President’s mercy,” he said.

The minister assured that the public would be duly informed once all legal and administrative checks are concluded.

“As soon as all legal and procedural checks are concluded, the public will be duly informed. The rule of law does not rush; it ensures fairness,” he added.