The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign hackers, ordering each of them to pay the sum of N1 million. Justice Ekerete Akpan’s ruling followed the convicts’ plea bargain deal with the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the prosecuting agency.

The 21 foreigners were part of the 109 defendants currently being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on allegations bordering on high-level cybercrime, money laundering and activities threatening national security.

Justice Akpan also ordered the convicts to leave the shores of Nigeria within six days of the ruling. The judge ordered that all the gadgets used in perpetrating the crimes shall be forfeited by the Federal Government.

Delivering the ruling, the judge said: “After the defendants entered the plea bargain agreement without being forced, I hereby convict you as charged.”

He held that the sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of N1 million fine against each of the defendants, which shall be paid before their release.

“They shall depart the country within six working days,” he declared”.

When the judge asked the lawyers if the convicts had paid the N1 million, Ikpeazu said: “My lord, we are going to pay in the next five minutes.” Justice Akpan then adjourned the matter till October 22 and 23 for the continuation of the trial of the remaining defendants.