Court Adjourns Trial of Chinese Nationals To March 5, As Defendants Reject Interpreter

The planned criminal trial of the embattled Chinese nationals apprehended in December by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC for employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and cybercrime activities suffered a set back on Monday as the defendants reject an interpreter

Justice Ayokunle Faji adjourned the trial to 4th and 5th of March in order 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 subject to the convenience of court, she is ready to proceed with the trial.

However, defence counsel who had been a one time prosecutor with EFCC 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 day  and facilities for it defence.

Consequently justice Faji adjourned till 4th and 5th of
March for the commencement of trial.

EFCC had on the 6th of February arraigned ZHAO YING BIN, YU ZI- a.k.a. WEI XUEHUAN, ZHANG YANG, WANG ZHI CHENG and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED. On  the allegations that on the 11th of December, 2024 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Court willfully caused to be assessed, 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 claims, ZHAO YING BIN, made a false statement by introducing yourself as “Lisi Chuan” “on your Telegram Account, knowing Which is 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.