society
Three Nigerians Named on FBI’s Most-Wanted List for Alleged $6M Fraud Scheme
Three Nigerians Named on FBI’s Most-Wanted List for Alleged $6M Fraud Scheme
Three Nigerians, Nnamdi Benson, Richard Uzuh, and Felix Okpoh, have been added to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Most-Wanted List for their alleged roles in a $6 million Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. The trio reportedly defrauded over 70 businesses in the U.S. using sophisticated cybercrime tactics, according to notices published on the FBI’s website.
The alleged scheme involved the use of spoofed emails and fraudulent wire transfers, targeting unsuspecting businesses. The FBI notes that the suspects conspired to launder proceeds from these scams through an intricate network of collaborators in the United States and abroad.
Details of the Allegations
Nnamdi Benson
Benson is accused of providing bank accounts to facilitate the receipt of funds from fraudulent transactions. He is also alleged to have engaged in romance and advance-fee fraud schemes independently. In August 2019, he was indicted in the U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A federal warrant for his arrest was issued the following day.
The FBI notice states:
“Benson allegedly provided bank accounts to Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh that were used to receive fraudulent wire transfers. On August 21, 2019, Benson, along with Felix Osilama Okpoh and Abiola Ayorinde Kayode, was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.”
Felix Okpoh
Okpoh is accused of supplying hundreds of bank accounts to Uzuh and other co-conspirators, enabling the transfer of over $1 million in fraudulent proceeds. Like Benson, he was indicted in August 2019 and is wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The FBI highlights:
“Bank accounts provided by Okpoh received fraudulent wire transfers from victim businesses totaling over $1 million.”
Richard Uzuh
Uzuh is alleged to have orchestrated the fraudulent scheme by sending spoofed emails to businesses across the U.S., requesting wire transfers. He reportedly worked closely with other members of the syndicate, including money launderers and romance scammers, to move stolen funds.
Uzuh’s indictment dates back to October 2016, making him the earliest member of the trio to be charged. The FBI stated:
“Uzuh allegedly worked with money launderers, romance scammers, and others involved in BEC schemes to launder proceeds of their crimes.”
Extradition of Co-Conspirator Abiola Kayode
The case has seen recent developments, with the extradition of a key member of the syndicate, Abiola Ayorinde Kayode, from Ghana to the United States. Kayode was arrested in Ghana in April 2023 following an indictment filed in Nebraska in August 2019.
On December 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska confirmed Kayode’s extradition. He is now in U.S. custody and faces prosecution for his alleged involvement in the cybercrime network.
FBI’s Warning and Public Appeal
The FBI continues to urge individuals with information on the whereabouts of Benson, Uzuh, and Okpoh to come forward. The agency has emphasized the global reach of BEC schemes and the devastating financial impact on victims.
Business Email Compromise remains one of the costliest forms of cybercrime, with perpetrators leveraging fake identities, fraudulent communications, and elaborate laundering networks to exploit victims.
society
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
society
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
society
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
TY BURATAI HUMANITY CARE FOUNDATION CONDOLES WITH BIU EMIRATE OVER TRAGIC ATTACK
In a profound expression of sorrow, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and the entire people of Biu Emirate, Borno State, following the recent tragic attack attributed to Boko Haram. This devastating assault, which occurred at a work site in northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of dozens, including brave soldiers committed to protecting the nation.
In a statement released to the press and signed by the Chairman of the foundation, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, the Grand Patron of the Foundation, His Excellency Amb. Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff, described the incident as “one too many senseless, barbaric, and ruthless displays of inhumanity.” His Excellency emphasized the heartbreaking impact of such attacks on innocent, hardworking citizens striving to make a positive difference in their communities.
The Grand Patron praised the swift and decisive response of military personnel during this critical time, underscoring their brave commitment to safeguarding the nation. He called upon them to maintain this momentum, commending their courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity. “May Almighty Allah forgive their souls and grant them Aljannah Firdouse,” he remarked, encouraging the nation to honor their spirit of sacrifice as they rally together to rebuild and restore hope across the region.
In his statement, Gen. Buratai highlighted the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges posed by insecurity, urging concerned citizens to increase their efforts in fostering a virile community that future generations can cherish. “Together, we can surmount these troubles,” he asserted, calling on all patriotic leaders and citizens to unite in the fight against violence and insecurity.
The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, security, unity, and prosperity. As the foundation extends its condolences to the bereaved, it also calls upon all segments of society to collaborate in creating a better and safer future. May Allah guide and protect the nation and lead it toward enduring peace. Amen.
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