2 weeks Ago By Ado Oyeyemi
The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim forfeiture order for 73 properties and thousands of electronic devices allegedly linked to a cybercrime and money laundering network involving Chinese nationals. Justice Deinde Dipeolu issued the ruling on April 23, 2025, in a suit marked FHC/L/MISC/382/2025, following an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Genting International Co. The assets forfeited include 1,596 laptops, 4,091 mobile phones, 350 foreign SIM cards, and 3,399 Nigerian SIM cards from various providers such as MTN, 9mobile, Airtel, and Glo.
Other items seized were 194 routers, 205 sofas, 501 bunk beds, 754 mattresses, 40 refrigerators, 10 microwaves, and two whiteboards. Also included in the order were 16 inverter batteries, 14 inverters, 43 CPUs and monitors, a ring light, two fuel tanks, a transformer, seven vehicles, 411 deep freezers, 13 electric kettles, 21 UPS units, a toaster, an air fryer, 558 office tables, two televisions, a network server, six gas cylinders, a blender, three weight scales, a spiral dough mixer, two double-burner stoves, and a dining set. The EFCC sought the interim forfeiture under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
“I have read the motion and attachments and find sufficient merit in the application. Consequently, the motion succeeds and is hereby granted,” Justice Dipeolu ruled. The court also directed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, giving interested parties 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
In an affidavit presented to the court, EFCC investigator Kaina Garba revealed that the items were seized during a December 10, 2024 raid at No. 7 Oyinjolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos—allegedly the syndicate’s operational base. According to the EFCC, the group, reportedly led by Chinese nationals under the name Genting International, was running a cybercrime training center for Nigerian youths.
Recruits were allegedly equipped with customized computers and mobile lines to conduct romance, investment, and dating scams. Additional properties tied to the syndicate were found at No. 14 Modupe Alakija Crescent, Ikoyi; Plot 1220 Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island; and Plot No.
54A A.J. Marinho Drive, Victoria Island.
During the raid, 761 suspects—both foreign and Nigerian—were arrested. The EFCC confirmed that the main financiers and ringleaders remain at large but are actively being pursued..
