Thirty-four female foreign nationals who were remanded at the Keffi prison in Nasarawa State on allegations of cybercrime have been released after meeting their bail conditions. This decision comes after Justice Ekerete Akpan of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the male defendants be remanded at the Kuje prison while the females be remanded at the Keffi prison.
The 109 accused individuals are facing trial on six counts related to cybercrimes that were reportedly committed in the Katampe area of Abuja in 2024. Additionally, they were accused of overstaying their business permits and remaining in Nigeria without valid residency or visas.
The defendants hail from various countries including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, Kuwait, and Thailand. Despite the charges brought against them by the police, all of the defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following the release of the females from the Keffi prison, Marshall Abubakar, one of the lawyers representing the defendants, confirmed that they have been transported back to their residence in Katampe. Abubakar mentioned that he personally escorted the women back to their homes in Abuja, where they are now awaiting trial.
In addition to the females, the male defendants who were detained at the Kuje correctional facility in Abuja have also been released. This development marks a significant shift in the legal proceedings surrounding this case.
The release of the defendants raises questions about the evidence presented against them and the overall handling of the cybercrime allegations. As the legal process moves forward, it will be crucial to ensure that all parties involved receive a fair and just trial.
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