Lack Of Legal Representation Stalls Arraignment Of Chinese National

The planned arraignment of 34-year-old Chinese national Liao Zhang, who is facing allegations of using a computer to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional structure before the Federal High Court in Lagos, was stalled on Tuesday because he has no legal representation.

Zhang and a company, Genting International Co. Limited, were charged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge of accessing a computer system with the intent to destabilise and destroy Nigeria’s economy and social structure.

The EFCC counsel, Temitope Banjo, had told the court that the offence violated sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2015 and section 2(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

Based on the developments, the trial judge, Justice Olayinka Faji, asked the foreigner how long he had been in Nigeria.

Zhang said he had been living in hotels in the country for six months.

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When asked what he had been doing during his time in Nigeria, he explained that he had been searching for a job. Initially, he intended to start a business but instead faced legal difficulties.

“I have been looking for a job in Nigeria for six months. Initially, when I arrived, I wanted to start a business, but I found myself here,” Zhang said.

When the judge asked the defendant whether he could contact family or friends to help secure legal representation, Zhang stated that he could not remember whom to call and had no phone.

Justice Faji also instructed the prosecutor, Banjo, to provide proof of service for Genting International Co. Limited, the second defendant in the case.

The court then adjourned the case until March 13, 2025, to present evidence of service for the company and consider Zhang’s possible arraignment.

In a separate case involving another Chinese national, Zhang Hua Zhai, the EFCC urged the court not to grant him bail because he was a flight risk.