The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on Sunday commenced the deportation of 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted of cyberterrorism and Ponzi scheme offences.
The deportees, who form the first batch of 192 convicted foreigners, were scheduled to depart from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 2:00 p.m. local time. The operation follows their arrest during a joint security raid on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where 759 suspects were taken into custody.
According to immigration authorities, the deportation is being carried out in phases, with additional groups expected to be repatriated on Monday and Tuesday until all convicts are returned to their countries.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate had run a large-scale cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme before security operatives dismantled their operations.
According to PUNCH, a senior immigration officer at the Lagos airport, who confirmed the development under anonymity, said all convicts had been transferred to NIS custody for deportation. He added that the operation was conducted discreetly to ensure security and avoid public disruption.
