The criminal trial of Chinese nationals earlier arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for employing Nigerian youths in identity theft and cybercrime activities faced a setback on Monday when the defendants rejected an interpreter.
Justice Ayokunle Faji adjourned the trial to March 4 and 5 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 she was ready to proceed with the trial.
However, the defence counsel, N. Abraham, who was formerly a prosecutor with the EFCC, requested the court to adjourn the trial to another date in order to comply with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which states that every defendant must be given adequate time and facilities for their defence.
As a result, Justice Faji adjourned the trial to the 4th and 5th of March for its commencement.
On February 6, the EFCC arraigned Zhao Ying Bin, Yu Zi (a.k.a. Wei Xuehuan), Zhang Yang, Wang Zhi Cheng, and Genting International Co. Limited. They are accused of, on December 11, 2024, in Lagos within the court’s jurisdiction, willfully accessing computer systems organized to seriously destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
This includes employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and posing as foreign nationals to gain financial advantage. These acts are prohibited under section 18 of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, 2015 (Amended 2024).
Additionally, the anti-graft agency accused Zhao Ying Bin of making a false statement by introducing himself as “Lisi Chuan” on his Telegram account, knowing it to be false and intending for this representation to be relied upon for procuring the issuance of financial instruments to his employer.
According to the EFCC, the offence is punishable under Section 22(3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.