By John Ogunsemore
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Shi Yang Xiong, a Chinese and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justice D.I.Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Xiong is a member of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the commission arraigned Shi Yang on a one-count charge bordering on alleged cybercrimes and cyber-terrorism, contrary to Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The charge reads: “That you, Shi Yang Xiong and Genting International Company Limited, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the offence when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, prosecution M.K. Bashir, prayed the court for a trial date and the defendant’s remand in the correctional centre.
Justice Dipeolu has commenced trial in the matter.