US Court Sentences Five Nigerians to 159 Years in Prison Over $17 Million Fraud Scheme

A United States federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for orchestrating a massive transnational fraud scheme that swindled over $17 million from more than 100 victims, including elderly individuals, companies, and government entities.

The sentencing was announced in a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, and signed by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Ray Combs. The convicted individuals—Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke—were identified as members of a sophisticated international criminal network that targeted vulnerable Americans through online deception and financial fraud.

According to the DOJ, the defendants launched their criminal enterprise in 2017 and used a variety of tactics to exploit victims emotionally and financially. The schemes often relied on romance scams, identity theft, phishing attacks, and impersonation through business email compromise (BEC). Elderly individuals were specifically targeted through dating websites, fake business proposals, and other manipulative methods designed to extract large sums of money.

“These defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims and then conspired to disguise, disburse, and launder the funds through an intricate web of bank accounts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Combs. “In many cases, the victims were stripped of their life savings.”

US Court Sentences Five Nigerians to Over 159 Years in Prison for $17 Million Fraud Targeting Americans

Following their arrest and indictment, the defendants were charged with multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. All five were convicted either through guilty pleas or trial verdicts and received lengthy prison sentences from U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant.

Here is the breakdown of the individual sentences:

1. Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and received 109 months (approximately 9 years) in federal prison.
2. Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, also of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving both wire fraud and money laundering. She was sentenced to 365 months (approximately 30 years and 5 months) in federal prison.
3. Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, Texas, was found guilty at trial of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. He received a 480-month sentence (40 years) in prison.
4. Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, Texas, was convicted at trial on similar conspiracy charges and was also sentenced to 480 months (40 years).
5. Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, likewise of Houston, was similarly convicted and received 480 months (40 years) in prison.

The DOJ emphasized that the defendants laundered the stolen money through an extensive network of bank accounts, shell companies, and international transfers. Funds were sent to accomplices and entities in Africa and Asia, further complicating efforts to trace and recover the stolen assets.

“This case highlights our continued commitment to fighting financial crime and protecting vulnerable members of our society,” said Combs. “Transnational organized criminals who target the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable. These lengthy sentences reflect the gravity of the harm caused and the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement agencies.”

The investigation was conducted by multiple U.S. federal agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), working in close coordination with international law enforcement partners.

Cybersecurity analysts say the case serves as a powerful reminder of the growing threat posed by online fraud networks, many of which operate across borders with increasing technical sophistication.

The DOJ urged the public, particularly elderly individuals and their families, to remain vigilant against scams involving unsolicited messages, online romance offers, or suspicious business proposals. They recommended using strong digital security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and regular monitoring of financial accounts.

This case stands as one of the most severe fraud prosecutions involving Nigerian nationals in recent U.S. history, both in terms of the scale of the financial loss and the length of the prison sentences imposed. It also underscores the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to pursue cybercriminals, no matter where they operate.

As the crackdown on transnational fraud continues, the message is clear: perpetrators who exploit the trust and vulnerability of others—especially the elderly—will face the full force of the law.