LAGOS — A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 23, 2025, sentenced twelve Filipino nationals to one year imprisonment each for offences bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
Justice Yellin Bogoro handed down the sentence following their arraignment by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate charges of possession of fraudulent documents and cyber-related offences.
The convicted individuals are Anjeanette Topacio, Gladys Joy Mag-Iba, Jean Calago, Shairah Mae Reyes, Roseann Gonzales, Lari Jane Tayag, Mary Grace De La Cruz, Krystel Aquilesca, Jonilyn Agulto, Paizza Camara, Vivian Pionella, and Jonalyn Mendoza.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were involved in activities aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s economic and social systems by engaging in identity theft, recruiting Nigerian youths to pose as foreigners online for financial gain, and possessing false documents.
All twelve pleaded guilty to the charges. The prosecution, represented by N.K. Ukoha and H.U. Kofarnaisa, urged the court to convict them based on plea bargain agreements entered into with the Commission.
Justice Bogoro sentenced each defendant to one year in prison with an option of a N1 million fine. He further
