EFCC secures forfeiture of 431 phones linked to Chinese cyber-fraud convicts
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has attained the final forfeiture of 431 mobile phones associated with Chinese cyber-fraud operators previously convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos.
On Tuesday, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu issued the forfeiture order following a request from the EFCC. This decision comes after an interim order was granted on July 8, 2026, which required the commission to publish a notice allowing any interested parties to contest the permanent forfeiture.
The EFCC’s legal representative, Hannatu Kofarnaisa, informed the court that a public notice was published on August 11, 2026, but no individuals or entities stepped forward to challenge the forfeiture.
The EFCC reported that the confiscated phones were linked to a cyber-fraud operation involving young individuals from China and Nigeria, operating from a facility known as ‘HK’ in Victoria Island, Lagos.
After considering the EFCC’s submissions and reviewing the supporting affidavit evidence, Justice Dipeolu affirmed the merit of the application. Consequently, he ordered the final forfeiture of the 431 mobile phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
