The scheduled arraignment of a 34-year-old Chinese national, Liao Zhang, alongside Genting International Co. Limited, on cybercrime-related charges was delayed on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos due to the defendant’s lack of legal representation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Zhang and the company of using a computer system to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional and economic structure. However, when asked by the court if he had legal representation, Zhang stated that he did not and had no way of contacting anyone for assistance.
Justice Olayinka Faji, presiding over the case, inquired about Zhang’s background, to which he responded that he had been in Nigeria for six months, residing in hotels while seeking employment. He initially came to Nigeria intending to start a business but ended up facing the current legal proceedings.
EFCC’s Charges and Legal Process
The EFCC alleges that Zhang committed the offenses in December 2024, deliberately accessing a computer system with the intent to disrupt Nigeria’s economy and social stability. His actions, according to the prosecution, violate sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2015 and section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Justice Faji also directed the EFCC to provide proof of service to the second defendant, Genting International Co. Limited. The case was adjourned until March 13, 2025, to allow for the submission of this evidence and Zhang’s possible arraignment.
Second Case: Bail Opposition for Another Chinese National
In a separate case, the EFCC opposed a bail application for another Chinese national, Zhang Hua Zhai, arguing that he posed a flight risk.
During the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Lagos, EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari stated that Zhai, who is being prosecuted for an undisclosed financial crime, lacks proper immigration status and allegedly escaped from his home country before arriving in Nigeria on a visiting visa.
The defense counsel, Olumide Olaiya, filed a bail motion dated February 1, 2025, requesting bail on liberal terms. He assured the court that Zhai has a passport and credible sureties. However, Buhari countered that the EFCC did not have possession of Zhai’s passport and that granting him bail would make it difficult for authorities to track him.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Faji adjourned the case until March 18, 2025, for a ruling on the bail application and the trial’s commencement.
