EFCC Arraigns 14 Filipinos for Alleged Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 14 Filipino nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges related to cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, impersonation, and identity theft.
The accused individuals—Marj Maranga, Zara Fabian, Jonalyn Mendoza, Dominique Medina, Rachelle Cabalona, Krystel Aquilesca, Caselyn Pionela, Raizza Camara, Danica Silad, Reyna Mae Eriba, Chynna Samonte, Mary Grace Dela Cruz, Sevien Cire Renovilla, and Rose-Ann Gonzales—are alleged to be part of a 792-member syndicate involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud, arrested during the EFCC's "Eagle Flush Operation" on December 10, 2024, in Lagos.
According to court documents, the defendants are accused of using computer systems to disrupt Nigeria’s economic and social structure, recruiting Nigerian youths for identity theft and impersonation to gain financial advantage.
One of the charges against Mary Grace Dela Cruz and Genting International Co. Ltd states that they willfully accessed computer systems to destabilize Nigeria's economic structure and employed Nigerian youths to pose as foreigners for fraudulent purposes, an offence punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024) and Section 2(3)(d) of the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Similarly, Krystel Aquilesca was charged with fraudulently impersonating an individual known as 'TETEEL' for financial gain, in violation of Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
All 14 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution team—M.K. Bashir, N.K. Ukoha, and Bilkisu Buhari—requested trial dates and urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility.
Justice Kakaki subsequently adjourned the case to March 13, 2025, for trial and ordered that the accused persons be remanded in a correctional center pending further proceedings.
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