Five Nigerian fraudsters jailed 129 years in US for stealing $17m - Newstrends
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Five Nigerian fraudsters jailed 129 years in US for stealing $17m

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Five Nigerian fraudsters jailed 129 years in US for stealing $17m

Five Nigerian fraudsters operating at an international level have been sentenced to 1,549 months in prison for a multimillion-dollar heist that involved at least 100 victims in the United States.

A U.S. federal court in Texas handed the notorious gang of Nigerian scammers a combined 129 years for executing a transnational romance and wire fraud scheme that netted them over $17 million.

U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant sentenced the quintet of Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke on Monday after they pleaded guilty to multiple wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft charges.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Texas, the convicted fraudsters were part of a transnational syndicate that deployed several fraudulent schemes, including online romance scams, business email compromise scams, and investor fraud, as well as unemployment insurance fraud, to steal from unsuspecting entities and individuals, who are mostly elderly.

U.S. officials said the “well-coordinated” scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes such as online dating sites to lure their victims

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“Transnational organised criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” acting U.S. attorney Jay Combs for the Eastern District of Texas said. “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations.”

Investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security and other law enforcement agencies discovered that the gang, which began operations around January 2017, defrauded at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities from across the world, prosecutors said in court filings.

The Nigerian crooks were successful in stealing over $17 million, which they laundered through a network of various bank accounts and sent money to bank accounts, co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia.

“The defendants were part of a transnational organised crime syndicate that defrauded victims collectively out of millions of dollars. For some individuals, this was their life savings, and they were unable to financially recover,” FBI Dallas special agent in charge Joseph Rothrock said.

He added, “We hope these sentences give them a sense of comfort and send a clear message that the FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims.”

Following their arrest, the five defendants pleaded guilty to all charges against them. In his judgment, the judge sentenced the trio of Chidindu, Chiagoziem, and Iribhogbe to 40 years in prison each.

Meanwhile, Ms Iribhogbe received a prison term of more than 30 years, while Mr Kumapayi was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.

Five Nigerian fraudsters jailed 129 years in US for stealing $17m

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NSITF Exposes Fake Recruitment Scam, Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters

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NSITF Exposes Fake Recruitment Scam, Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters
Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)

NSITF Exposes Fake Recruitment Scam, Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has warned Nigerians, particularly job seekers, against fake recruitment advertisements and forged appointment letters being circulated by fraudsters seeking to deceive members of the public.

The warning was contained in a public notice issued by the Fund and circulated to its Regional and Branch Managers through a memorandum dated October 5, 2026, signed by the Executive Director, Administration, Samaila Abdu.

NSITF said it is not currently recruiting for any position, describing employment advertisements circulating on social media, particularly Facebook, as fake.

The Fund said individuals and groups were falsely presenting themselves as representatives of NSITF and using purported employment opportunities to target unsuspecting members of the public.

It urged Nigerians to disregard such advertisements and not make payments to anyone in exchange for employment opportunities.

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NSITF stressed that it does not charge applicants any fee for employment and does not conduct recruitment through unofficial social media platforms or other unauthorised channels.

The Fund said genuine NSITF recruitment opportunities, whenever available, would be announced through its official communication channels.

“Stay alert, stay safe,” the Fund advised, urging anyone who encounters suspicious recruitment advertisements or requests to avoid responding and report them to the appropriate NSITF authorities.

The Fund has also directed all its Regional and Branch Managers to prominently display the warning at strategic locations within their offices.

The directive covers reception areas, main entrances and exits, notice boards, SERVICOM desks and other locations accessible to staff and members of the public.

NSITF said the notices should remain visible to help protect job seekers and other members of the public from fraudulent recruitment activities.

The Fund further urged Nigerians to verify recruitment claims through official NSITF channels before providing personal information, making payments or taking any other action.

The NSITF warning comes amid continued concerns over online recruitment scams in which fraudsters exploit job seekers by offering supposed government employment in exchange for money or personal information.

NSITF reiterated that legitimate employment opportunities would be communicated through its recognised channels and warned Nigerians to remain vigilant when responding to unsolicited job offers.

NSITF Exposes Fake Recruitment Scam, Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters

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Seven Years With Parkinson’s: Man Seeks N65m for Brain Surgery in Türkiye

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Seven Years With Parkinson’s: Man Seeks N65m for Brain Surgery in Türkiye
Aliyu Abdulmalik

Seven Years With Parkinson’s: Man Seeks N65m for Brain Surgery in Türkiye

A 54-year-old Nigerian man, Aliyu Abdulmalik, who has battled Parkinson’s disease for about seven years, is seeking N65 million to undergo specialised brain surgery in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Abdulmalik is seeking public assistance after his condition reportedly became resistant to drug treatment, leaving him with serious symptoms including difficulty walking and rigidity.

A medical treatment report issued by Atasehir Medicana International Hospital, Istanbul, and dated February 10, 2025, described his condition as drug-resistant Parkinson’s disease.

The hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery and Neuromodulation Centre, under Prof. Atilla Yilmaz, recommended Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for Abdulmalik.

According to the medical report, the procedure is an approved treatment for drug-resistant Parkinson’s disease, and doctors concluded that Abdulmalik needed the surgery based on his condition. (Punch Newspapers)

The estimated cost of the procedure is $35,000.

The hospital said the amount would cover neurological evaluations, necessary radiological and laboratory investigations, the surgery and required equipment, as well as post-operative care and programming of the implanted pulse generator.

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The treatment package also includes transportation between the airport and hospital, a 15-day hospital and hotel stay, and accommodation for two companions.

A fundraising appeal launched on Abdulmalik’s behalf said he spent much of his youthful years involved in Islamic da’wah activities before his health condition began to significantly affect his life.

The appeal said he urgently needed to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in Istanbul to help him regain a more normal life.

The fundraising target of N65 million is expected to cover the treatment, post-surgery care, accommodation, transportation and feeding during his stay in Istanbul.

As of the latest update contained in the appeal, N1,114,688.37 had been raised, leaving a shortfall of about N63.89 million.

The organisers appealed to individuals, organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support Abdulmalik in raising the funds needed for his treatment.

They said contributions would help him access the recommended surgery and related care.

Donations can be made through:

Stanbic IBTC
Account Name: Kudirat Hammed A
Account Number: 0057418305

OPay
Account Name: Hammed Kudirat Ajoke
Account Number: 7063094566

For enquiries: 09025138148 or 07063094566.

Seven Years With Parkinson’s: Man Seeks N65m for Brain Surgery in Türkiye

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Court Denies Bail To Anambra Pastor Accused Of Marrying Mother, Daughter

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Court Denies Bail To Anambra Pastor Accused Of Marrying Mother, Daughter

Court Denies Bail To Anambra Pastor Accused Of Marrying Mother, Daughter

The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has denied bail to Harrison Anazodo, a pastor and spiritualist facing a seven-count charge over alleged abduction, forced marriage and other offences.

Justice Jude Obiora rejected the bail application as proceedings continued in the case involving the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly.

Anazodo had sought bail through his lawyer, W. Abonye, who reportedly cited health concerns in asking the court to release his client.

However, the prosecution, led by Chief State Counsel Chineze Ekwerekwu, opposed the application.

The prosecution filed a 20-paragraph counter-affidavit and two exhibits in opposition to the bail request and told the court that the state was ready to proceed with the trial.

The allegations against Anazodo include claims that he abducted a woman and her daughter and allegedly subjected them to forced marriage. He is also accused of taking several women as wives and engaging in conduct allegedly prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025.

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Anazodo has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the allegations against him have not been established by the court.

The case attracted public attention following his arrest by officials of the Anambra State Government in June. Reports surrounding the arrest also alleged that about 11 babies were found at his residence.

The prosecution is expected to call witnesses as the trial progresses, with the state indicating its readiness to present its case.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until October 16, 2026, for further proceedings.

There was also a confrontation involving some of the defendant’s supporters and journalists at the court premises. Reports said some journalists were allegedly prevented from recording the defendant’s arrival, with claims that phones and cameras belonging to some members of the media were damaged.

The incident was reportedly brought to the attention of the court by Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN. Defence counsel subsequently apologised over the incident, while the court directed that damaged equipment be replaced.

With the bail application rejected, Anazodo will remain in custody as the criminal trial continues.

Court Denies Bail To Anambra Pastor Accused Of Marrying Mother, Daughter

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