The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced the trial of individuals implicated in an alleged cybercrime operation, bringing forth its first witness in a case involving 193 foreign nationals and 599 Nigerians. These individuals were apprehended during a coordinated raid on the Big Leaf Building in Lagos.

At the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Friday, the EFCC presented seven of the foreign defendants before Justice Deinde Dipeolu—one for arraignment and six for the commencement of trial. However, the six defendants opted for a plea bargain and, through their legal representatives, requested a brief adjournment to initiate discussions with the anti-graft agency.

Meanwhile, the trial proceeded against Xiao Hong Will, who faces a three-count charge alongside their company, Genting International Ltd. The prosecution, led by Bilikisu Buhari Bala, called its first witness, Roland Turaki, an unemployed cybersecurity student, who provided testimony regarding his employment experience with the defendant’s company.

Turaki recounted how he was recruited through an online job advertisement and subsequently trained to engage in deceptive online interactions with European individuals. He detailed the structured nature of the fraudulent scheme, explaining that employees were instructed to pose as women, cultivate trust with unsuspecting victims, and ultimately transfer them to senior operators within the company. The witness also alleged that operations were closely monitored by Chinese supervisors and that employees were subjected to intense pressure, including financial penalties and threats of termination without pay.

Furthermore, Turaki described the stringent work conditions, citing the presence of armed security personnel restricting employees’ movement. He testified that despite recognizing the dubious nature of the activities, he hesitated to leave due to concerns over unpaid wages and the security measures in place.

The EFCC has indicated its intention to present further evidence, including the desktop computer assigned to the witness and the instructional materials he was required to study. However, due to the volume of seized digital evidence—estimated at 300 to 400 desktops—the prosecution sought a short adjournment to facilitate proper identification of the relevant materials.

Justice Dipeolu subsequently adjourned the case to March 18 for the continuation of the trial.

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