Court adjourns trial of Chinese nationals to March 5

Trial of some Chinese nationals, apprehended in December by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for employing Nigerian youths on identity theft and cybercrime activities suffers set back, yesterday, as defendants reject an interpreter.

Justice Ayokunle Faji adjourned the the trial till March 4 and 5 to get a preferred interpreter.

The defendants are Zhao Ying Bin,Yuzi a.k.a Wei Xuehuan, Zhang Yang, Weng Zhi Cheng and Genting International Co. Limited.

The prosecution counsel, Hannatu Kofanaisa had informed the court that the business of the day was to commence trial and subject to the convenience of court, she was ready to proceed with the trial.

However, defence counsel,  N. Abraham urged the court to adjourn trial to another date in order to comply with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which says that every defendant must be given adequate   facilities to its defence.

Consequently, Justice Faji adjourned till March 4 and 5, for the commencement of trial.

EFCC had on February 6,  arraigned the defendants over allegations that on December 11, 2024, in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the court willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria, which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage.

The offence is punishable under section 18 of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, 2015. (Amended, 2024).

The anti graft agency also said that Zhao Ying Bin, made a false statement by introducing yourself as “Lisi Chuan” on your Telegram Account, knowing same to be false and with intent that the representation is relied upon for the purpose of procuring the issuance of financial instrument to your employer.

According to EFCC, the offence is punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act.