US Court Sentences Five Nigerians to 159 Years for $17 Million Global Fraud Scheme

A United States federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for their roles in a $17 million transnational fraud scheme targeting more than 100 individuals, companies, and government agencies across the globe.

The sentencing, announced in a statement by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Ray Combs, followed years of investigation into a criminal enterprise that exploited elderly and vulnerable victims, often through online romance scams and other deceitful tactics.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the convicted individuals — Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke — were members of an organised group that operated internationally to defraud victims and launder illicit funds across multiple countries, including those in Africa and Asia.

“The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money once they successfully defrauded their victims,” Combs said.

He disclosed that the elaborate scheme, which began in 2017, specifically targeted senior citizens through fake online relationships and other scams designed to drain life savings. Once defrauded, the money was funneled through a complex web of bank accounts and shell companies.

The individuals received the following sentences from U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant:

• Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months (9 years) in federal prison.

• Sandra Iribhogbe, 50, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 365 months (over 30 years).

• Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, Texas, was convicted at trial and sentenced to 480 months (40 years).

• Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, found guilty at trial, received 480 months (40 years).

• Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston, was also sentenced to 480 months (40 years) after being found guilty.

“These criminals exploited trust and preyed on some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” Combs said, emphasizing the U.S. government’s commitment to dismantling international fraud networks and ensuring justice for victims.

He added that more than 100 victims, including individuals, companies, and government institutions, were affected in the widespread fraud.

The Justice Department noted that the case sends a strong message to fraudsters across borders that the U.S. will not relent in pursuing and punishing those who exploit its citizens.