The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to 109 foreign nationals accused of cybercrimes.
The decision involves defendants from diverse countries including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.
These individuals are facing charges brought by the Inspector General of Police, which include six counts related to cybercrimes allegedly committed in Abuja earlier this year.
The court, presided over by Justice Ekerete Akpan, set the bail at an unprecedented sum of One Billion Naira (N1bn).
This decision followed a compelling argument by Dr. Ogwu James Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who emphasized the importance of allowing the defendants to prepare their defense.
Justice Akpan said that "the essence of bail is to allow defendants to prepare for defence," while also noting that the charges, though serious, are not capital offenses and thus bailable under certain conditions.
The bail conditions are stringent. Each defendant must provide five sureties, each valued at N200 million, who must reside in Abuja and possess landed property worth the same amount. Furthermore, both the defendants and their sureties are required to submit original travel documents and recent passport photographs to the court, ensuring they remain in Nigeria throughout the trial process.
Justice Akpan highlighted the presumption of innocence, stating, "the law of the country presumes innocence until the contrary has been established."
Pending the fulfillment of these bail conditions, the male defendants will be held at Kuje prison, while the female defendants will be detained at Keffi prison in Nasarawa State.
Despite objections from the prosecution, represented by lawyer A. S Egwu, the court maintained its stance, emphasizing judicial discretion in granting bail.
The trial is scheduled to commence on February 27, 2025, marking a critical juncture in addressing international cybercrime through Nigerian legal frameworks.
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