Five Nigerians Jailed for 159 Years Over $17 Million U.S. Fraud Scheme

A U.S. federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a total of 159 years in prison for orchestrating a sprawling $17 million fraud operation that preyed on over 100 victims — including senior citizens, businesses, and government bodies.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that the convicted Nigerians — Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke — ran a transnational crime ring employing romance scams, business email compromise, unemployment fraud, and fake investment schemes.

The group operated since 2017, tricking victims into fake online relationships, hijacking business communications, and promoting phony investment opportunities. Once money was obtained, it was laundered through a global web of bank accounts linked to Africa and Asia.

“This scheme defrauded victims — many of them elderly — out of $17 million, causing not just financial ruin but deep emotional trauma,” U.S. officials stated.

The sentences, handed down by Judge Amos Mazzant, are as follows:

• Chidindu Okeke, Chiagoziem Okeke, and Edgal Iribhogbe: 40 years each

• Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen: 30 years and 5 months

• Damilola Kumapayi: 9 years and 1 month (following a guilty plea)

Authorities praised the multi-agency collaboration that unraveled the sophisticated fraud ring and reiterated America’s commitment to holding international cybercriminals accountable.

“The U.S. will pursue and prosecute those who exploit the most vulnerable, regardless of where they are in the world,” the DOJ said.