Justice Yellin Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 23, 2025, convicted and sentenced twelve Filipino nationals to one year in prison each for offenses related to cyber-terrorism and internet fraud
The convicts—Anjeanette Topacio, Gladys Joy Mag-Iba, Jean Calago, Shairah Mae Reyes, Roseann Gonzales, Lari Jane Tayag, Mary Grace De La Cruz, Krystel Aquilesca, Jonilyn Agulto, Paizza Camara, Vivian Pionella, and Jonalyn Mendoza—were arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on separate charges of possessing fraudulent documents.
One of the charges accused Anjeanette Topacio of accessing computer systems in December 2024 with the intent to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structure by recruiting Nigerian youths for identity theft. Another count against Shairah May Reyes stated she was found in possession of a Telegram chat where she impersonated a UK-based woman to defraud others.
All twelve pleaded guilty to the charges. In line with the plea bargains they entered with the EFCC, the prosecution counsel—N.K. Ukoha and H.U. Kofarnaisa—urged the court to convict them accordingly.
Justice Bogoro sentenced each of them to one year in prison with an option of a N1 million fine. He also ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs. Kemi Nanna Nandap, to ensure their repatriation within seven days of completing their jail terms.
Additionally, all devices recovered from the defendants were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
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