Court gavel
In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced five Thai nationals to three years in prison for high-level cybercrime, with the option of a N1 million fine each, and ordered their deportation upon completion of their sentence or payment.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the verdict on Tuesday, following a plea bargain between the convicts and the Federal Government.
The convicts—Panupong Wanasak, Aatairat See Ni, Laongdao Saeguang, Achalar Saeyang, and Galin Suphaaut—were among 108 foreign nationals prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police for cybercrime, money laundering, and threats to Nigeria’s national security.
Represented by Christiana Sylvester, the five faced a three-count charge, including illegally residing in Nigeria after their 30-day business permits expired in September 2024. One charge stated, “You remained in the country on the expiration of that permit, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 57 of the Immigration Act 2015.”
All five pleaded guilty through a Thai interpreter. Prosecutor F.G. Gabriel urged the court to convict them based on their plea, noting, “All parties have entered into a plea bargain, and we pray the court to adopt same as its judgment.”
Justice Nwite sentenced each to one year per count, totaling three years, or the N1 million fine, and ordered the forfeiture of all gadgets used in the crimes to the Federal Government.
He further directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure “a seamless deportation” to Thailand after the convicts serve their terms or pay the fines.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convicts, initially arraigned in 2024 and pleading not guilty, were remanded pending bail conditions.
They allegedly operated a fraudulent, unregistered gaming platform from Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District, Abuja, engaging in cybercrime and unlawful access to computer networks, violating Section 27(1)(b) and Section 13 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended 2024).
