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.

Akeredolu’s Widow Rejects Ondo State Memorial Lecture, Alleges Exclusion

Betty Akeredolu, the widow of late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has publicly rejected a memorial lecture planned in his honor by the state government, alleging that her family was excluded from the planning process.

The lecture, part of activities marking the first anniversary of Akeredolu’s death on December 27, 2023, is scheduled to take place on Friday in Akure. Renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) is set to deliver the keynote address, while Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa will chair the event, known as the Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series.

Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Betty Akeredolu expressed her disapproval, describing the event as a propaganda-driven effort.

“Which legacy? Lecture, my foot! This is not for Aketi because my family and I are not aware. Damn it! As the saying goes: You and your co-travellers cannot shave Aketi’s head in his absence. You cannot weep more than the bereaved,” she wrote in a fiery post titled, “Re: Purported Aketi Lecture by Ondo Lucky Can’t Be Serious!”

Betty further accused the state government of attempting to exploit her late husband’s legacy for financial gain. “Anybody close to Aketi and Arabinrin becomes your enemy… Now you want to pretend by organising one yeye lecture for Aketi’s memorial as an entry point to chop money on Aketi’s head. You are on your own o!” she alleged, labeling the planned event a “#Yahoo #419 lecture.”

In response, the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, refuted claims of discord between the government and the Akeredolu family. He stated that the family had been invited to the event and highlighted the state’s role in honoring Akeredolu after his passing.

“Akeredolu was not just a family man. He was the governor of Ondo State. He died while serving the state. He was given a state burial, and the state governor attended all the burial activities in Akure, Owo, and Ibadan,” Adeniyan said.

He further emphasized the purpose of the memorial lecture. “The state government is organising this lecture to mark the first anniversary of his passing, and an invitation has been extended to the family for representation. There is no dispute between the government and the family, and we are aware that there will be other events lined up to mark that anniversary,” he added.

The controversy highlights tensions over how the legacy of the late governor, fondly referred to as “Aketi,” is being handled, even as plans for the commemorative event proceed.

Christmas Tragedy: Nigerian Air Force Airstrike Kills Civilians in Sokoto State

An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) intended to target Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State tragically hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area on Christmas morning, leaving several residents dead and many others injured.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, villages near the Surame Forest—a known hideout for the Lakurawa sect and bandits. Eyewitnesses reported that at least 10 villagers lost their lives, while numerous others sustained injuries, disrupting the holiday celebrations.

Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, described the chaos caused by the attack. “The bombs fell suddenly while people were sitting peacefully. Many were killed or wounded in the strike meant for the terrorists,” he said.

Local government officials have expressed deep concern. The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Daftarana, confirmed the incident, calling it devastating. “It is heartbreaking. These were innocent, peace-loving people with no ties to crime,” he said, adding that efforts are ongoing to determine the exact number of casualties.

While the Sokoto State Police Command declined to comment, the Nigerian Air Force pledged to investigate the civilian casualties. NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence and surveillance.

“We are committed to a thorough investigation into reports of civilian casualties and will provide updates once the facts are established,” Akinboyewa said.

Meanwhile, a separate attack in Borno State saw terrorists deploy armed drones against a military base, leaving five soldiers injured.

The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma defended its operations, emphasizing the rigorous intelligence process that underpins airstrikes. In a statement, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah said, “The targets struck near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were confirmed as connected to the Lakurawa group. While civilian harm is deeply regrettable, operations are meticulously planned to avoid such outcomes.”

He urged the public to be cautious of misinformation, warning that terrorist groups might exploit incidents like this to undermine military efforts.

As investigations continue, calls for enhanced precision in counterterrorism operations grow louder, especially in areas where civilian populations are at risk.