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Justice Ayokunle Faji has subsequently postponed the case to March 4 and 5, 2025, to allow the defendants to find an interpreter of their choosing.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detained the accused in December 2024 on allegations of enlisting Nigerian youths in cybercrime activities, including identity theft.
During the hearings on Monday, the prosecutor, Hannatu Kofanaisa, announced her preparedness to begin the trial, depending on the court's availability. However, defence counsel N. Abraham sought an adjournment, referring to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which requires that defendants be provided with sufficient means for their defence.
The defendants were initially arraigned on February 6, 2025, facing charges that on December 11, 2024, they intruded into computer systems with the intent to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional framework. They are accused of recruiting Nigerian youths to carry out identity theft and impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain.
Additionally, the EFCC accused Zhao Ying Bin of making a false representation by claiming to be “Lisi Chuan” on his Telegram account to acquire financial instruments for his employer.
These offences are said to violate and are subject to penalties under Sections 18 and 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024). Justice Faji instructed all parties to ensure the availability of the defendants’ selected interpreter by the next scheduled dates.
