EFCC secures forfeiture of 431 phones linked to Chinese cyber-fraud convicts

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the final forfeiture of 431 mobile phones linked to Chinese cyber-fraud operators previously convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu ordered the forfeiture on Tuesday following an application by the EFCC.

The court had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order on July 8, 2026 and directed the commission to publish a notice for interested persons or entities to challenge the permanent forfeiture.

EFCC counsel, Hannatu Kofarnaisa, told the court that the notice was published on August 11, 2026, but no person or entity came forward to contest the forfeiture.

The commission said the phones were linked to a cyber-fraud operation involving Chinese and Nigerian youths at a facility known as ‘HK’ in Victoria Island, Lagos.

“After hearing the submissions of the EFCC and reviewing the affidavit evidence before the court, Justice Dipeolu held that the application had merit,” the commission stated.

The judge subsequently ordered the final forfeiture of the 431 mobile phones to the Federal Government of Nigeria.