Chinese National Charged with Deception by EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed charges against Zhang Wen Hao, a Chinese national, accusing him of dishonestly convincing another person to establish a bank account intended for criminal activities.

Zhang faced a single count of deception in front of Judge Ibrahim Shekarau at the Nasarawa State High Court located in Mararaba.

In a statement released on Friday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale provided details of the case.

The commission alleged that Wang intentionally induced one Paul Yichol with a sum of one thousand naira to open account number 1715754475 in his name with Access Bank PLC, which he allegedly planned to use for unlawful activities.

The prosecution claimed that this offense occurred in March 2023 within Suleja, close to Nigeria's capital, Abuja.

According to the EFCC, the act violates Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and is punishable under Section 322 of the same statute.

Zhang, however, entered a plea of not guilty to the accusation against him.

Following his plea, the prosecuting attorney, Taiwo Aromolaran, requested the judge for a scheduled date to start the trial, while the defendant's lawyer, Michael Ukatu, orally requested bail for Zhang.

Judge Shekarau postponed the hearing on the bail request until March 12, 2026, and ordered Zhang to remain in the custody of the EFCC.

In the context of the Penal Code enforced in Northern Nigeria, inducing another person for fraudulent purposes is classified as deception or cheating. Section 320 criminalizes deceitful actions aimed at unlawfully acquiring property or facilitating illegal activities.

Section 322 stipulates penalties for such offenses, including a maximum of three years of imprisonment, fines, or both.

This case contributes to the increasing instances of Chinese nationals facing fraud charges in Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES has previously reported numerous occasions where Chinese individuals have been prosecuted for financial crimes in Nigeria.

Last June, a Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced 23 Chinese nationals to prison for cyberterrorism and internet fraud related to a significant syndicate. Shortly after, eight other Chinese nationals received sentences for similar offenses.

In July, eight additional Chinese nationals were sentenced to one year in prison each for cyberterrorism and internet fraud connected to a massive cryptocurrency scam uncovered in December 2024.

Additionally, in August of the previous year, 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals were deported by the Nigerian Immigration Service after being convicted of cyber fraud and Ponzi schemes in conjunction with EFCC prosecutions.

Experts have urged the Nigerian government to tackle socio-economic issues and loopholes in the legal and enforcement frameworks, which make Nigeria an attractive location for foreigners to engage in fraudulent activities.