Nigerian National Sentenced To Over 8 Years In U.S. Prison For $6 Million Inheritance Scam Targeting Elderly Americans

Washington, D.C. – April 30, 2025 — A U.S. federal court has sentenced a 36-year-old Nigerian man, Okezie Ogbata, to 97 months (over eight years) in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded more than 400 victims—primarily elderly Americans—of over $6 million.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the sentencing on Monday, revealing that Ogbata was part of a complex network of fraudsters who orchestrated the scam over several years by sending personalized letters falsely claiming the recipients were heirs to large inheritances left by deceased overseas relatives.

According to court records, the fraudulent letters were designed to appear official and often claimed to be from banks in Spain. Victims were deceived into paying various “fees” such as delivery charges, taxes, and administrative costs before receiving the supposed inheritance. No inheritance ever existed.

“Ogbata and his co-conspirators collected money through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims who were manipulated into forwarding funds to the scammers or their associates,” the Justice Department stated. “Victims who sent money never received any inheritance funds.”

Ogbata pleaded guilty and admitted to participating in the scheme, which exploited elderly and vulnerable individuals across the United States.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the DOJ’s Civil Division hailed the sentencing as a victory in the ongoing fight against global financial crimes. “This case is a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime,” Roth said, extending thanks to law enforcement in the U.S. and Portugal for their cooperation.

U.S. Attorney Hayden Byrne for the Southern District of Florida emphasized the reach of American justice: “We will not allow transnational criminals to steal money from the public we serve. The long arm of the American justice system has no limits.”

Steven Hodges of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Francisco Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations both underscored the importance of protecting elderly citizens from exploitation. “It’s inconceivable to imagine any human being robbing from those who’ve spent a lifetime building a life,” Burrola said. “We will not tolerate this kind of behavior.”

The sentencing of Ogbata comes amid broader U.S. law enforcement efforts to crack down on cyber-enabled fraud. Just days earlier, the FBI announced the arrest of 22 Nigerian nationals linked to various sextortion schemes targeting Americans.

Authorities urged the public—especially elderly citizens and their families—to remain vigilant and report suspicious communications promising unclaimed inheritances or financial windfalls.