
Two Nigerian nationals, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, have been sentenced to a combined 30 years in federal prison by a United States jury for defrauding American citizens of $3.5 million through inheritance and romance scams.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, obtained by PUNCH Metro on Monday, the duo operated fraudulent schemes that exploited their victims by deceiving them into believing they were entitled to large inheritances.
Details of the Fraud
Using aliases, Ibekie and Aniukwu contacted their victims through email and social media, convincing them that substantial inheritances awaited them. They demanded payments to “claim” the funds, promising refunds after the inheritances were supposedly secured.
In addition to inheritance scams, the duo also orchestrated romance scams, building trust with victims through social media and dating platforms before requesting money. Further investigations revealed they were involved in a business email compromise scheme targeting corporate accounts.
“The scams resulted in losses to victims of at least $3.5 million,” the statement said.
Sentencing and Charges
Ibekie, 59, was convicted earlier this year on 14 counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a bank, and passport fraud. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger on Thursday.
Aniukwu, 50, who pleaded guilty last year to wire fraud and money laundering, received a 10-year sentence on November 8.
Investigation and Accomplice’s Pending Sentence
The schemes were uncovered through a covert law enforcement operation. An accomplice, Jennifer Gosha, 52, a U.S. citizen from Oak Park, Illinois, has also pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents. Gosha is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2024.
Justice System’s Response
Federal authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to combating online fraud and bringing perpetrators to justice. The convictions serve as a warning against exploiting digital platforms for criminal activities.
This case highlights the risks associated with online scams and the importance of vigilance among internet users to avoid falling victim to similar schemes.