Six Nigerian nationals have become the focus of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as the agency has designated them as wanted suspects with international flight risks.
The individuals in question are Felix Osilama Okpoh, Alex Afolabi Ogunsakin, Micheal Olorunyomi, Richard Izuchukwu Uzhi, Nnamdi Orson Benson, and Abiola Ayorinde Kayode.
Referred to as the “cyber’s most wanted” by the FBI, these individuals are currently residing in Nigeria.
The FBI is urging the public to come forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects by contacting the nearest FBI office or the American embassy.
These individuals are subjects of a global manhunt and have been implicated as co-conspirators in various criminal activities, including romance scams, fraudulent wire transfers, and advanced fee fraud schemes.
Michael Olorunyomi is wanted for his alleged involvement in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded over 70 U.S. businesses, resulting in losses exceeding $6 million. He is also accused of conducting romance fraud, defrauding vulnerable individuals of over $1 million, leading to a warrant for his arrest.
Abiola Ayorinde Kayode is sought for his role in a BEC scheme that defrauded numerous U.S. businesses, resulting in over $6 million in losses. He allegedly facilitated fraudulent wire transfers and engaged in BEC and romance frauds, leading to a federal arrest warrant.
Nnamdi Orson Benson is wanted for his alleged involvement in a BEC scheme with similar financial consequences. He is accused of providing bank accounts for receiving fraudulent wire transfers and participating in romance and advanced fee fraud schemes. A federal warrant was issued for his arrest in August 2019.
Richard Izuchukwu Uzhi faces allegations of participating in a BEC scheme, alongside co-conspirators, which defrauded numerous U.S. businesses of over $6 million. He is also accused of money laundering and collaborating with others involved in BEC schemes. A federal warrant was issued for his arrest on October 19, 2016, according to the FBI.
Felix Osilama Okpoh is wanted for his alleged role in a BEC scheme that defrauded numerous U.S. businesses of over $6 million. He is accused of providing bank accounts for fraudulent wire transfers, resulting in losses exceeding $1 million. The FBI issued an arrest warrant against him on August 22, 2019.
Alex Afolabi Ogunsakin is sought for his involvement in a BEC scheme that caused substantial financial losses to multiple U.S. businesses. He is accused of providing bank accounts for fraudulent wire transfers and participating in these schemes by sending spoofed emails. A federal warrant was issued for his arrest on August 22, 2019.
These six suspected individuals contribute to the growing list of Nigerians involved in criminal activities and scams. Some are already incarcerated, while others are currently facing legal action.
Notably, Ramon Abass, a Nigerian socialite and Instagram influencer, received an 11-year sentence in the United States for participating in money laundering conspiracies tied to business email compromise frauds and various scams. Abba Kyari, a senior police officer, is also under investigation for his alleged involvement in aiding Abass in his criminal activities.
Olalekan Ponle, known as Woodberry, recently received an eight-year sentence and forfeited all his known assets to the United States. He pleaded guilty to defrauding at least seven companies of over $8 million in less than a year.
Obinwanne Okeke, also known as Invictus Obi, is currently serving a 10-year prison term in the United States for internet fraud that caused $11 million in losses to his victims. He initially pleaded guilty and was sentenced to ten years in prison on February 16, 2021.
