Nigerians kick as Chinese nationals found guilty of cyberterrorism in Lagos bag one-year jail term

Despite the gravity of the offence, two Chinese nationals found guilty of cyberterrorism and internet fraud in Lagos have been handed only a one-year jail term each, following their conviction by the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, secured the conviction and sentencing of the duo—Huang Xiao Liang (also known as Liu Xiao Liang) and Shi Yang Xiong—on Monday, July 14, 2025, before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu.

The convicts were among a syndicate of 792 suspects arrested in a December 19, 2024 sting operation tagged ‘Eagle Flush Operation’, which targeted cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud rings operating within Nigeria’s commercial capital.

Both men were arraigned on separate charges relating to cyberterrorism and internet fraud, offences considered severe under Nigerian law due to their implications for national security and economic stability.

One of the charges against Huang Xiao Liang read:
“That you, HUANG XIAO LIANG (a.k.a LIU XIAO LIANG) and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. Ltd., sometime in December, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst yourselves, caused to be accessed a computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention) Act 2015.”

Initially pleading not guilty, the defendants reversed their stance during Monday’s proceedings, entering guilty pleas before the court.

Following the change of plea, prosecution counsel, U.S. Kyari, urged the court to convict them accordingly.

Justice Dipeolu thereafter convicted the two men and sentenced them to one year imprisonment each, with an option of a ₦1,000,000 fine.

In addition to the jail term, the judge ordered the forfeiture of all items recovered from the convicts to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He also directed the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure their repatriation to China within seven days of completing their sentences.

However, the EFCC’s handling of the public announcement has come under scrutiny.

Many Nigerians have questioned why only the photograph of Shi Yang Xiong was included in the agency’s official statement, while the image of Huang Xiao Liang was noticeably absent.

Several social media users expressed concern over the omission.

Emmanuel Perfect wrote: “Where is the second person, abi he don pay money?”

Saint Moses Izuchi asked: “Please where is the picture of the other one?”

Aliyu Mashal Nankap commented: “What is the meaning of your statement with one picture, and you mentioned 2 Chinese… Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, where is the second person?”

Beyond the photo controversy, there was widespread criticism of the light sentence handed down for such a serious offence.

Jumoke Sowemimo, another Nigerian who commented online, said: “Well, I don’t know much about law, but I believe the one-year sentence is too low for a cyberterrorism crime.”

In a more pointed reaction, Rokheeb wrote: “This report by EFCC is shaky. For the Chinese to have changed their plea from not guilty to guilty, they must have been told they will get a lesser sentence if they do so. This judgment looks somehow. It must be investigated.”