By Okafor Joseph Afam, November 26, 2024

Two Nigerians, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, have been sentenced to a combined 30 years in federal prison for their involvement in fraud schemes that defrauded victims in the United States of $3.5 million.

According to a press release from the US Department of Justice, the duo employed various fraudulent tactics, including inheritance and romance scams, to deceive individuals into transferring money.

“An undercover law enforcement investigation has resulted in federal prison sentences for two Nigerian nationals residing in the Chicago suburbs who conducted online inheritance scams and other fraud schemes,” the statement revealed.

How the Scams Worked

The elaborate schemes saw Ibekie and Aniukwu luring victims through social media and dating websites, building trust before soliciting funds. They claimed victims had inherited large sums of money but needed to pay upfront fees to access their inheritance.

Additionally, the pair orchestrated a “business email compromise” scam that targeted corporate email accounts, leading to significant financial losses for companies.

Sentences and Charges

Ibekie, 59, was convicted on charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and passport fraud, earning him a 20-year sentence. Aniukwu, 50, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in 2023, was sentenced to 10 years earlier this month.

Both were arraigned on 14 counts and held accountable for defrauding victims of at least $3.5 million.

Accomplice Awaits Sentencing

A third conspirator, US citizen Jennifer Gosha, 52, is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2024. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents earlier this year.

Authorities’ Response

The Department of Justice emphasized its commitment to combating online fraud schemes, particularly those preying on vulnerable individuals. Federal prosecutors credited the undercover investigation for dismantling the operation and holding the perpetrators accountable.

This case underscores the dangers of online scams and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect citizens from such fraudulent activities.