The EFCC arraigned four Chinese nationals and a Nigerian in Abuja’s FCT High Court on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
They face conspiracy, cheating, and impersonation charges for promoting substandard hotels as five-star establishments via fake reviews.
Accused—Liu Zhiwei, Chen Ye Qui, Zhang Xiao Wen, Lan Shun Bin, and Nwakama Ogbonna—allegedly deceived the public for monetary gain.
Prosecutors stated the group created fake Telegram profiles under “Haron Koshear” to post fraudulent hotel endorsements.
They earned $5 per review, violating Nigeria’s Penal Code Sections 96 and 97, which criminalize conspiracy and cheating.
Additionally, Ogbonna impersonated a customer service agent for Venus Spark Impact Media to boost Nox Edgware Road Hotel’s false rating.
This act breaches Section 321 of the Penal Code, attracting separate penalties.
During arraignment, all defendants pleaded not guilty, prompting EFCC counsel Maryam Ahmed to seek trial dates and immediate remand. Defense lawyer Yahaya Dangana countered with a bail application, but Justice Halilu adjourned the hearing to March 27, 2025. Meanwhile, the court ordered four Chinese defendants remanded at Kuje prison and Ogbonna at Suleja prison.
Authorities traced the group to a January 2025 EFCC raid in Abuja’s Gudu district, arresting 105 suspects linked to the scam. Investigators uncovered a network manipulating online reviews to misrepresent European hotels, exploiting unsuspecting travelers. The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to tackling cybercrimes that tarnish Nigeria’s global reputation and harm consumers. If convicted, the defendants face imprisonment under Nigerian law, underscoring the gravity of digital fraud.
Public reactions highlight growing concerns over fake reviews distorting tourism and hospitality industries worldwide. Victims reportedly paid premium rates for subpar accommodations, unaware of the orchestrated deception. Legal experts argue this case could set precedents for prosecuting transnational digital fraud involving foreign nationals. Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies increasingly prioritize cross-border cybercrimes, reflecting tighter global law enforcement collaborations.
Upcoming hearings will address bail applications, with trials likely to scrutinize evidence from seized devices and financial records. Hospitality industry leaders urge stricter review verification to protect legitimate businesses from similar scams. Observers note the case tests Nigeria’s judicial capacity to handle complex, multinational cybercrime prosecutions.
As proceedings advance, the EFCC vows to pursue justice for victims while ensuring due process for the accused. This landmark case highlights Nigeria’s evolving battle against financial crimes in the digital age, balancing accountability with fairness. Legal outcomes may influence future policies to curb online fraud and safeguard consumer trust globally.
Authorities urge businesses to monitor their online reputations and report suspicious activities to prevent exploitation. Ultimately, the trial underscores the intersection of technology, law, and ethics in combating modern financial crimes.
