Trial of Chinese Nationals Accused of Cybercrime and Identity Theft Stalled as Defendants Reject Court-Appointed Interpreter, Adjourned to March 4 and 5
LAGOS – The trial of five Chinese nationals accused of cybercrime and identity theft suffered a setback yesterday as the defendants rejected the court-appointed interpreter.
Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court adjourned proceedings to March 4 and 5 to secure a preferred interpreter. The defendants—Zhao Ying Bin, Yuzi (alias Wei Xuehuan), Zhang Yang, Weng Zhi Cheng, and Genting International Co. Limited—were apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December.
During the hearing, prosecution counsel Hannatu Kofanaisa informed the court of her readiness to proceed. However, defense counsel N. Abraham requested an adjournment, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which mandates that defendants receive adequate facilities for their defense.
The EFCC had arraigned the defendants on February 6, alleging they accessed computer systems in Lagos on December 11, 2024, to facilitate identity theft and employ Nigerian youths in cybercrime. The agency claims their actions were intended to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure and gain financial advantage. The charges fall under the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, 2015 (Amended, 2024).
Additionally, Zhao Ying Bin is accused of falsely identifying himself as “Lisi Chuan” on Telegram to obtain financial instruments for his employer, an offense punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes Act.
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