Five Nigerians Sentenced to 159 Years for $17 Million Fraud Scheme in the US

A U.S. federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined total of 159 years in prison for their involvement in a $17 million fraud scheme that defrauded over 100 individuals, companies, and government entities across the United States.

The convictions were announced by the U.S. Department of Justice following a multi-year investigation into a transnational organized crime ring. The fraudsters used a variety of tactics, including romance scams, business email compromise, unemployment insurance fraud, and investment fraud, targeting elderly and vulnerable victims.

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

Court documents revealed that the group lured victims through fake online relationships, compromised business communications, and fraudulent investment opportunities. Once the money was obtained, it was laundered through a network of bank accounts and sent to accomplices and entities in Africa and Asia.

A statement from the Department of Justice read, “The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities worldwide. The scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes, such as online dating sites, to lure victims. Once funds were obtained, the defendants laundered the money through a network of various bank accounts and sent it to bank accounts, co-conspirators, and businesses located in Africa and Asia.”

The defendants were arrested and charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant sentenced them after their convictions.

Chidindu Okeke and Chiagoziem Okeke (both 32, of Houston) and Edgal Iribhogbe (51, of Allen) were each sentenced to 480 months (40 years) in prison.

Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen (50, of Plano) was sentenced to 365 months.

Damilola Kumapayi (39, of Plano) received a sentence of 109 months after pleading guilty.

Prosecutors stated that some victims lost their life savings and suffered severe emotional and financial trauma. Law enforcement officials praised the coordinated efforts that led to the convictions and stressed the U.S. government’s commitment to holding international fraud rings accountable.