The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 14 Filipinos and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
A statement from the EFCC, posted on its X handle on Thursday, listed the defendants as: Marj Maranga, Zara Fabian, Jonalyn Mendoza, Dominique Medina, Rachelle Cabalona, Krystel Aquilesca, Caselyn Pionela, Raizza Camara, Danica Silad, Reyna Mae Eriba, Chynna Samonte, Mary Grace Dela Cruz, Sevien Cire Renovilla, and Rose-Ann Gonzales.
The EFCC explained that the accused individuals were part of a 792-member syndicate suspected of being involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud. They were arrested on December 10, 2024, during a surprise operation called the “Eagle Flush Operation.”
The defendants face separate charges related to cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, impersonation, possession of documents containing false pretenses, and identity theft. For example, the charge against Mary Grace Dela Cruz states: “That you, Mary Grace Dela Cruz, and Genting International Co. Ltd., sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused computer systems to be accessed in a way that seriously destabilized Nigeria’s fundamental economic and social structure by employing Nigerian youths for identity theft, intending to gain a financial advantage.”
Krystel Aquilesca is charged with fraudulently impersonating one “TETEEL” to gain a financial advantage for her employer, an offense punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015.
All defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Following this, prosecution counsel M.K. Bashir, N.K. Ukoha, and Bilkisu Buhari requested trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility.
Justice Kakaki adjourned the case until March 13, 2025, for trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional center.
