The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 109 foreign nationals accused of engaging in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities that threaten Nigeria’s national security.
The bail, set at N1 billion, was granted by Justice Ekerete Akpan, who also ordered that the defendants provide five sureties, each with a N200 million bond.
The court’s decision followed the defendants’ arraignment, where they pleaded “not guilty” to a six-count charge. Justice Akpan stipulated that each surety must own property worth N200 million and submit their recent passport photographs to the court.
Also, the defendants are required to surrender their international passports to the Registrar of the Federal High Court in Maitama as a condition for bail.
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The 109 individuals, who are citizens of China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar, were arrested in Abuja at a building on Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, where they were allegedly involved in cybercrime activities.
They are facing charges of cybercrime, money laundering, and illegal residency in Nigeria.
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At the hearing, counsel for the defendants, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, requested the presence of interpreters for those who did not speak English fluently.
He also requested that the Brazilian defendants be separated from the others, but the court rejected this request, stating that the arraignment process had not been completed.
The case has been adjourned, and the defendants remain in custody at the Kuje and Suleja correctional facilities until the next court session.
