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Twelve Filipinos have been sentenced to prison in Lagos for cyber-terrorism and online fraud, and will be deported once their terms end.
  • All 12 were convicted by a federal high court in Ikoyi
  • Charges included internet fraud, impersonation, and cyber-terrorism
  • Offenders used Telegram and other platforms for scams
  • Each sentenced to 1 year in prison and fined ₦1 million
  • They will be deported within 7 days of completing jail time
This case is a rare example of a foreign cybercrime ring being fully prosecuted in Nigeria. One convict, Anjeanette Topacio, was accused of recruiting young Nigerians into online scams, showing how international networks are weaponising local desperation. Another posed as a UK woman to deceive victims online. The judge’s swift ruling reflects Nigeria’s growing impatience with digital fraud, especially when it comes from beyond its borders. It’s also a message: cybercrime, no matter who’s behind it, will be pursued and punished.

A year behind bars and deportation might seem light, but for many Nigerians online, it’s a reminder that justice, even international, is still possible.