US Court Sentences Five Nigerians To 159 Years Over $17 Million Fraud Scheme

Five Nigerian nationals were given a total sentence of 159 years in prison by a U.S. federal court for masterminding a massive fraud scheme worth $17 million that targeted over 100 victims, including people, businesses, and government organisations across the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the convictions following a years-long investigation into a sophisticated transnational criminal network. The group engaged in a range of fraudulent activities, including romance scams, business email compromise, unemployment insurance fraud, and investment scams. Many of the victims were elderly and particularly vulnerable to deception.

The convicted individuals — Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke — were found to have played significant roles in the operation, which began around January 2017 and spanned several years.

Court documents revealed that the group used fake online relationships, intercepted business communications, and promoted bogus investment opportunities to defraud victims. The funds obtained through these methods were laundered through multiple bank accounts before being sent to accomplices and businesses in Africa and Asia.

According to the Department of Justice, “The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities from across the world. The scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes, such as online dating sites, to lure their victims.

“Once funds were obtained from their victims, the defendants laundered the money through a network of various bank accounts and sent money to bank accounts, co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia.”

The defendants faced charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant handed down their sentences following their convictions.

Chidindu Okeke and Chiagoziem Okeke, both 32 and based in Houston, along with 51-year-old Edgal Iribhogbe of Allen, Texas, each received 480 months (40 years) in prison after being found guilty at trial. Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, was sentenced to 365 months, while Damilola Kumapayi, 39, also from Plano, was sentenced to 109 months after pleading guilty.

Prosecutors highlighted the devastating financial and emotional toll on the victims, many of whom lost their life savings. Officials also commended the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies and reiterated the U.S. government’s commitment to dismantling international fraud networks.