By Deborah Nnamdi
A U.S. federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a total of 159 years in prison for orchestrating a $17 million fraud scheme that targeted over 100 victims, including individuals, businesses, and government agencies across the country.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the convictions, which followed a years-long investigation into a transnational organized crime network. The group carried out a range of fraudulent activities—such as romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), unemployment benefits fraud, and investment scams—often preying on elderly and vulnerable individuals.
The convicted defendants—Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke—played significant roles in the conspiracy, which began around January 2017 and continued for several years.
According to court records, the scheme involved deceiving victims through fake romantic relationships, falsified business correspondence, and bogus investment deals. Once defrauded, the stolen funds were funneled through a web of bank accounts and transferred to co-conspirators and shell companies across Africa and Asia.
The statement partly reads, “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.”
Following their arrests, the defendants were charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant issued the sentences after their convictions.
Chidindu Okeke and Chiagoziem Okeke, both 32 and from Houston, along with Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, were each sentenced to 40 years (480 months) in prison. Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, received a sentence of over 30 years (365 months). Damilola Kumapayi, 39, also of Plano, who pleaded guilty, was sentenced to just over 9 years (109 months).
Prosecutors noted the severe financial and emotional harm suffered by victims—many of whom lost their life savings. Authorities commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to prosecuting international fraud networks.
