Lawyers Propose Measures To Curb Foreigners’ Involvement In Crime
Legal experts in Lagos have attributed the growing involvement of foreigners in criminal activities to weak laws, poor investigations, corruption, and inadequate immigration controls.
Their concerns follow a sting operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in December 2024, which led to the arrest of 792 suspects, including 197 foreigners, for alleged cryptocurrency fraud and romance scams.
The foreign suspects include 148 Chinese, 40 Filipinos, two Kazakhs, one Pakistani, and one Indonesian, all of whom are now being arraigned in batches before Lagos High Courts.
Lagos-based lawyer Dr. Yemi Omodele identified weak laws, poor investigations, high unemployment, and corruption as key factors enabling crime in Nigeria.
“Foreigners exploit the weaknesses in our system. Law enforcement agencies fail to conduct proper investigations, leading to unsuccessful prosecutions,” he said.
He advocated for reforming the criminal justice system with harsher penalties for offenders, transparency in investigations, and timely delivery of judgments.
Omodele also called for the revocation of visas, lifetime bans, imprisonment, and repatriation of foreign nationals found guilty of crimes.
Another lawyer, Mrs. Jumoke Ajayi, linked the rise in crime among foreigners to lax immigration policies and poor record-keeping.
“Nigeria’s immigration system is not as stringent as other countries, making it easy for foreign criminals to enter and operate freely,” she said.
Ajayi suggested better documentation and tracking of both citizens and non-citizens, stressing that law enforcement must be equipped with modern tools to handle security threats.
Mr. Kehinde Nubi, Principal Counsel at Kehinde Nubi and Associates, welcomed the arraignment of the foreign suspects, describing it as a positive step in combating crime.
He pointed to harsh economic conditions, high unemployment, and poverty as major contributors to criminal activities, especially among tech-savvy youths engaging in cybercrime.
“Foreigners see opportunities in Nigeria’s weak enforcement system. Some collaborate with local criminals, while others operate independently,” Nubi noted.
He urged the Nigerian government to update cybercrime laws, impose stricter penalties, and strengthen extradition processes to deter foreign criminals.
“We already have enough internal security challenges. Immigration authorities must tighten entry controls to prevent criminals from exploiting our system,” he added.
While Nigeria remains an attractive destination for investment due to its large market and opportunities, experts warn that systemic weaknesses could continue to make the country vulnerable to foreign-led crime.
