Alleged Cyber Terrorism, Internet Fraud: EFCC Witness Reveals How He Was Instructed to Disguise as Female to Gain Clients’ Trust

A First Prosecution Witness (PW1), Rowland Turaki, in the trial of Xiao Hong Will, a Chinese national accused of cyber terrorism and internet fraud, revealed on February 7, 2025, that he was instructed by his employers to present himself as a female in order to gain clients’ trust. The testimony was given before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Turaki, a cybersecurity student, explained that he was employed by Xiao Hong Will, a member of a syndicate involved in cybercrimes. Will was arrested on December 19, 2024, during a surprise EFCC operation dubbed “Eagle Flush,” which led to the capture of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects in Lagos. Will and his company, Genting International Co. Limited, were subsequently arraigned on January 31, 2025, facing multiple charges related to cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, identity theft, and fraud.

One of the charges against Will reads: “Xiao Hong Will and Genting International Co. Limited, on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems that destabilized Nigeria’s constitutional structure by employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and instructing them to pose as foreigners, all with the intent to gain financial advantage.” The charges are punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024). Will has pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

During the hearing, the prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, informed the court that they had witnesses present and were ready to proceed with the trial. However, the defense counsel, B.A. Omateno, stated that the case was complex, and she might not be able to proceed with cross-examination that day.

Justice Dipeolu dismissed the defense’s request to discontinue the proceedings, stating that the submission was not strong enough. As a result, Turaki continued his testimony, detailing his recruitment process and his role in the fraudulent operation.

Turaki explained that he found a job advertisement on Jiji.ng while searching for a laptop for his cybersecurity studies. The ad offered a position as a Customer Service representative, with a salary of 250,000 naira per month. He contacted the provided WhatsApp number and was added to a group where he received details about the interview process and the company’s address.

Turaki attended the interview at the company’s office in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was tested on his typing skills rather than his computer proficiency. After passing the typing test, he was hired and informed about the company’s salary structure and accommodation arrangements. He then started work the following day.

Upon starting the job, Turaki was given a script and guidelines on how to engage with clients. His employers instructed him to memorize the script, which he would use when speaking to clients. Turaki also shared how he was directed to disguise as a female, a strategy meant to build trust with the clients and increase the success of their fraud operations.

The trial continues, with further testimony expected as the case unfolds.