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FG Keeps Mute as FBI Indicts Over 75 Nigerians for Fraud

Published

7 years ago

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buhari thinking deep

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has clamped down on a number of Nigerians – counting up to 80 in an ongoing investigation over fraud related offences.

US Attorney, Mr Nick Hanna, disclosed this in a press statement released in Los Angeles, California on Thursday revealing a grand indictment on the Nigerians for participating in a massive conspiracy to steal millions of dollars through a variety of fraud schemes and launder the funds through a Los Angeles-based money laundering network.

“Indictments showed very specific allegations against these suspects many of whom are based in Nigeria in terms of stealing money from victims. The indictment also focuses on those responsible for enabling these fraud schemes including operatives in Los Angeles,” Mr Hanna said.

He further explained that a total of 252 count charges ranging from “conspiracy to defraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, aggravated identity theft” have been filed against the suspects.

The indictment alleges that the defendants and others used various online fraud schemes – including business email compromise (BEC) frauds, romance scams, and schemes targeting the elderly – to defraud victims out of millions of dollars.

Business Post gathered that a criminal complaint unsealed on Thursday showed that co-conspirators were based in Nigeria, the United States and other countries and contacted the lead defendants in the indictment. Some of these include Valentine Iro, 31, of Carson, and Chukwudi Christogunus Igbokwe, 38, of Gardena, both Nigerian citizens – for bank and money-service accounts that could receive funds fraudulently obtained from victims.

The indictment released further exposed the names and nicknames of the defendants, these are listed thus:

  1. VALENTINE IRO, aka “Iro Enterprises,” aka “Valentine Obinna Iro ,” aka ” Obinna Iro ,” 16 aka ” Obinna Nassa,”

  1. CHUKWUDI CHRI STOGUNUS IGBOKWE, aka ” Christogunus C. Igbokwe,” aka ” Chris Kudon ,” aka “Atete ,” aka “Still Kudon ,”

  1. JERRY ELO IKOGHO , aka “J Man,”

  1. IZUCHUKWU KINGSLEY UMEJESI, aka ” Kingsley Umejesi, ” aka “Armeni an Man,” aka “Kingsley LA,” aka “I zuking Aka Aku ,”

  1. ADEGOKE MOSES OGUNGBE , aka “P & P Motors,” aka “Pp, ”

  1. ALBERT LEWIS CATHEY, aka “Alb, ” aka “Abert Jag,” aka “Al,”

  1. TITYAYE MARINA MANSBANGURA, aka “Tityaye Igbokwe ,” aka “Marina Mansour,” aka “Marina Mansaray,” aka “Marina Tityaye Mans Bangura,”

  1. CHUKWUDI COLLINS AJAEZE, aka “Thank You Jesus”

  1. EKENE AUGUSTINE EKECHUKWU, aka “Ogedi Power,” aka “Power,”

  1. CHUKS EROHA, aka “Chuks Nassa Iro,” aka “Nassa,” aka “Prince Chuddy,” aka “Nurse Chuddy,”
  2. COLLINS NNAEMEKA OJIMBA, aka “Collins Emeka Ojimba,” aka “Ojimba Collins,” aka “Charly.Africa,”

  1. FNU LNU, aka “Xplora G,”

  1. UCHENNA OCHIAGHA, aka “Urch Agu,” aka “Advanced Mega Plus Ltd,”
  2. NNAMDI THEOJOSEPH DURU, aka “Duru Theo Joseph Nnamdi,” aka “Williams High School,” aka “Ifytyns,”

  1. ERICSON UCHE OFORKA, aka “Oforka,” aka “Eric Oforka,”

  1. MARK IFEANYI CHUKWUOCHA, aka “Mark Iheanyi Chukwuocha,” aka “Chukwu Mark,” aka “Markife,”

  1. AUGUSTINE NNAMDI, aka “Nnamdi Augustine,” aka “Jazz,”

  1. CHIEMEZIE CHRISTOPHER CHILAKA, aka “Fanta,”

  1. CHARLES OHAJIMKPO, aka “Giggs,” aka “Ryan Giggs,” aka “Charles,”

  1. STANLEY UGOCHUKWU UCHE, aka “Ugo Law,” aka “Uche Stanley,” aka “He is risen.Happy Easter!,”
  2. CHIKA AUGUSTINE ODIONYENMA, aka “Tony Augustin Odionyenma,” aka “Chika Tony,” aka “CTA Finance Source Intl,”

  1. PASCHAL CHIMA OGBONNA, aka “Chima,” aka “Paschal,”

  1. SAMUEL NNAMDI ONWUASOANYA, aka “Sammy Lee Nnamdi,” aka “Onwuasoanya Samuel Nnamdi,” aka “Enugu Ogo,”

  1. MACWILLIAM CHINONSO CHUKWUOCHA, aka “ChiBoy,”

  1. EMMANUEL ONYEKA UZOKA, aka “Emmanuel Mansion,” aka “Mansion,” aka “Son of God,” aka “Ezirim Uzoma,”

  1. JOSHUA ANIEFIOK AWAK, aka “Joe Awk,” aka “Kwee Tin Law,”

  1. GEORGE UGOCHUKWU EGWUMBA, aka “George Ugo,” aka “Ugo Aunty Scholar,”

  1. UCHECHUKWU SOLOMON EZIRIM, aka “Uche Nwanne,” aka “Uche Ezirim,”
  2. AUGUSTINE IFEANYI OKAFOR, aka “Zero,” aka “St.Austine,” aka “Austine,” aka “Ifeanyichukwu Okafor,”

  1. FNU LNU, aka “Okay Sam Mal,” LESLIE N. MBA, aka “Mystical,” aka “Nwachinemere Leslie,”

  1. OGOCHUKWU INNOCENT IKEWESI, aka “Ogoo UK,” aka “Innocent Ikewesi,”

  1. EMMANUEL UZOMA OGANDU, aka “Nwachinaemere,” aka “Uzoma,”

  1. AMARACHUKWU HARLEY ANYANWU, aka “GodisGod,” aka “War B,”

  1. BRIGHT IFEANYI AZUBUIKE, aka “Bright Bauer Azubuike,” aka “Ifeanyi Jnr,”

  1. EMEKA MOSES NWACHUKWU, aka “All Man,” aka “Omalitoto,” FNU LNU, aka “Donatus Izunwanne,” aka “Izunwanne Donatus Chibuikem,” aka “Deworlddonmax,”

  1. CHINWENDU KENNETH OSUJI, aka “Father,”

  1. EUSEBIUS UGOCHUKWU ONYEKA, aka “Ugo UK,” aka “sly19 sly,”

  1. CHIDI ANUNOBI, aka “Anunobi Chidi,” aka “Chidioo,”

  1. ANTHONY NWABUNWANNE OKOLO, aka “Eric West,” aka “Erci West,” aka “Code,”

  1. OBINNA CHRISTIAN ONUWA, aka “Papa Chukwuezugo,” aka “Obinna Onuwa Abala,” aka “Obyno Abala,”

  1. CHIJIOKE CHUKWUMA ISAMADE, aka “Mr CJ,” aka “CJ,”

  1. LINUS NNAMDI MADUFOR, aka “Madufor Nnamdi,”

  1. CHRYSAUGONUS NNEBEDUM, aka “Cris,”

  1. UGOCHUKWU OKEREKE, aka “Blade,” aka “Kingsly Cris,” aka “Okereke Ugochukwu,”

  1. FIDEL LEON ODIMARA, aka “Fiedel Odimara,” aka “Ndaa,” aka “Dee Dutchman,”

  1. KINGSLEY CHINEDU ONUDOROGU, aka “OBJ,”
  2. DESSI NZENWAH, aka “Desmond Sage,” aka “Des Nzenwa,” aka “Saga Lounge,”

  1. CHIMAROKE OBASI, aka “Chima Russia”

  1. JAMES CHIGOZIE AGUBE, aka “Smart,” aka “Smart Agube,” aka “Smart Chigozie Agube”

  1. CHIMAOBI UZOZIE OKORIE, aka “Omaobi,” aka “Mobility,”

  1. OGOCHUKWU OHIRI, aka “Ogomegbulam Ohiri,” aka “Ologbo,”

  1. KENNEDY CHIBUEZE UGWU, aka “Kennedy David,”

  1. IFEANYICHUKWU OLUWADAMILARE AGWUEGBO, aka “B😎😎$$ IFF¥,”

  1. VICTOR IFEANYI CHUKWU, aka “Ifeannyi Soccer,” aka “Vic Chux,”

  1. CHIDI EMMANUEL MEGWA, aka “Cantr,” aka “Canta Jr.,”

  1. PRINCEWILL ARINZE DURU, aka “Arnzi Prince Will,” aka “Arinze,”

  1. DESMOND IWU, aka “Desmond Chigozie Iwu,” aka “Lalaw,” aka “Odo Desmond,”

  1. ONYEKA VINCENT CHIKA, aka “Chyco,” aka “Chika Ejima,” aka “Vincent Chika Onyeka,”

  1. IFEANYI KINGSLEY MEZIENWA, aka “Ifeanyi Ali,” aka “Ifeanyichukwu Mezienwa,”

  1. VICTOR UCHENNA AGUH, aka “Orch Sod,” aka “Uche SP,” aka “Rich Homie Urch,”

  1. KEVIN AMARACHI ESHIMBU, aka “Humble,” aka “Humble Amarachukwu,” aka “Dato Humble,”

  1. VITALIS KELECHI ANOZIE, aka “Kelechi Vitalis Anozie,” aka “Kelechi Anozieh,” aka “Pastor Kel Anozie,” aka “Pastor Kc,” aka “Choice,”

  1. WILLIAMS OBIORA AGUNWA, aka “Don Williams,”

  1. GEORGE CHIMEZIE DIKE, aka “Chimekros,” aka “Slim Dad…No…1,”

  1. MUNACHISO KYRIAN UKACHUKWU, aka “Muna,”
  2. NWANNEBUIKE OSMUND, aka “Osmund Nwannebuike,” aka “Olivite,” aka “Nikky Bro.,”

  1. CHIDIEBERE FRANKLIN NWANGWU, aka “Frank Chidi,” aka “Franklin Nwangwu,” aka “Agogo,”

  1. DAMIAN UCHECHUKWU AJAH, aka “Uche Ajah,” aka “Ajah Damian Uchechukwu,” aka “Uchechukwu Demian Ajah,”

  1. EMEKA P. EJIOFOR, aka “Ejiofor Emeka,”

  1. LAWRENCE CHUKWUMA UBASINEKE, aka “Ubasineke Chuks,” aka “Chukwuma Ubasineke,”

  1. CHINEDU BRIGHT IBETO, aka “Doggy,” aka “Doggy Lucino,”

  1. VALENTINE AMARACHI NWANEGWO, aka “Satis,” aka “Satis Amarachi Satis,”

  1. EMMANUEL CHIDIEBERE DIKE, aka “Emmanet,”

  1. JEREMIAH UTIEYIN EKI, aka “Uti,” CHINAKA DAVIDSON IWUOHA, aka “Tmrw Afrika Will Wake Up,” aka “Cookie,” aka “All Africa Media Network,”

  1. CHIMA DARLINGTON DURU, aka “Kajad,” aka “Kajad Jesus,”

  1. IKENNA CHRISTIAN IHEJIUREME, aka “Piper,” aka “Am Happy!,”

  1. OBI ONYEDIKA MADEKWE, aka “Odu Investment,”

As at the time of this report, there has been no response or comment by the Nigerian Government over this issue.

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Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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NCS, PEBEC Unveil Framework to Strengthen Trade Competitiveness

Published

6 hours ago

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08/04/2026

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free trade zones FTZs

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), has launched a strategic reform agenda aimed at enhancing port efficiency and strengthening Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the opening of a three-day operational workshop in Apapa, Lagos, themed Customs Leadership in Port Efficiency, Inspection Reform and Clearance Timeline.

Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, outlined a five-pillar strategy designed to transform port operations. The framework focuses on joint inspections, risk-based cargo clearance, optimisation of scanning infrastructure, enforcement of service timelines, and improved inter-agency collaboration.

Mr Adeniyi emphasised that the Service is shifting from policy formulation to effective implementation, stressing the need for consistent execution of established best practices.

He noted that the “workshop was aimed at bridging the gap between knowledge and action within the system.”

He further highlighted the transition to intelligence-led cargo processing, stating that ongoing investments in digital platforms and scanning systems must result in faster, more transparent clearance procedures for traders.

To ensure accountability, the Customs boss disclosed that the workshop would produce a reform execution matrix subject to close monitoring, adding that he would personally track progress reports.

He also urged officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and commitment in the discharge of their duties.

In her remarks, the Director-General of PEBEC, Mrs Zahrah Mustapha-Audu, underscored the importance of adopting risk-based, data-driven inspection systems.

According to her, efficient and transparent border processes are essential to reducing the cost of doing business and improving Nigeria’s global trade standing.

Also speaking, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Tariff and Trade, Mrs Caroline Niagwan, said the evolving mandate of the Service places it at the heart of trade facilitation and economic growth, adding that efficiency must be reflected across all commands.

As part of the engagement, the Customs and PEBEC delegation visited the National Single Window facility, where they held discussions with the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Mr Zacch Adedeji, and other stakeholders to review progress and address operational challenges.

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Madica Invests $600k in Nigerian Data Startup Biovana, Two Others

Published

6 hours ago

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08/04/2026

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Madica

By Adedapo Adesanya

Madica, a structured investment programme for pre-seed African startups, has announced new investments totalling $600,000 in three tech-enabled startups, including Nigerian data startup, Biovana.

According to the initiative, these investments further reinforce Madica’s commitment to supporting founders and startups often excluded from traditional venture funding. The other startups include Tanzania’s Kilimo Fresh and Kenya’s Hakimu.

Each company has secured up to $200,000 in funding and will take part in Madica’s 18-month programme. This includes a tailored curriculum, hands-on mentorship, executive coaching, and two fully funded immersion trips to key technology ecosystems, both locally and internationally. The startups will also gain access to Madica’s global investor network, helping position them for growth and long-term success.

Madica’s programme seeks to counter the concentration of Africa’s tech funding in a few markets, verticals, and well-networked entrepreneurs and instead drive more equitable growth across the continent. This is done by backing a mix of underrepresented founders, startups from underserved regions, and innovators in overlooked sectors.

Launched in 2022, Madica is a sector-agnostic investment program designed to address structural gaps in Africa’s startup ecosystem. The program tackles key challenges startups face, such as limited access to capital, a scarcity of investors, and insufficient mentorship. It also provides the structured support necessary for startups to resolve critical issues and foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation across the continent.

Kilimo Fresh (Tanzania), co-founded by Ms Baraka Chijenga and Mr Justice Mangu, connects smallholder farmers in Tanzania to reliable urban markets by aggregating, processing, and distributing fresh produce through a technology-enabled supply chain, aiming to reduce food waste.

Hakimu (Kenya), Hakimu, co-founded by Ms Rawan Dareer, Mr Ahmed Ahmed and Mr Ahmed Elbashir, is building a pan-African legal infrastructure leveraging the power of AI.

Biovana (Nigeria), co-founded by two female founders, Ms Estelle Dogbo and Dr Jumi Popoola, is a data harmonisation and certification platform focused on unlocking African health datasets for global pharmaceutical, AI, and clinical research applications.

Commenting on the new portfolio companies, Mr Emmanuel Adegboye, Head of Madica, said, “Each new investment brings us closer to the portfolio we set out to build, one that reflects the full breadth and diversity of African entrepreneurship. These three startups join a growing community of founders we’re backing with the resources, relationships, and runway they need to succeed at this early stage. The opportunity across the continent is enormous, and we’re committed to being a crucial and consistent partner in realising it.”

“Joining the Madica portfolio is a significant moment for Hakimu. We’re revolutionising access to justice across Africa, and having a partner that understands the specific challenges and opportunities of scaling in Africa makes a real difference,” said Ms Dareer, co-founder and CEO of Hakimu. “We’re grateful for the trust, looking forward to the hands-on support, and clear-eyed about the work ahead.”

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Tinubu, Dangote, Others for Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali

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1 day ago

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07/04/2026

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africa ceo forum

By Adedapo Adesanya

President Bola Tinubu is expected to be among the leading public figures attending the next edition of the Africa CEO Forum, which will take place on May 14-15, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda

A strong Nigerian private-sector delegation will also take part, including Mr Aliko Dangote, Mr Wale Tinubu, Mr Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Mrs Adesuwa Ladoja, Mrs Rachel More-Oshodi, Mrs Zouera Youssoufou, Mr Karim Noujaim, Mr Dany Abboud, Mr Ayo Otuyalo and Mr Chukwuerika Achum. Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, will also be present.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the 2026 edition will convene in Kigali to address a defining question for Africa’s future: how to achieve the scale necessary to compete, integrate and thrive in a fragmenting world.

It comes as global power dynamics continue to evolve, while the ability of Africa to rely on competitive, agile and internationally integrated corporate champions has become a defining corporate imperative. In this shifting global landscape, one lesson is clear: scale is no longer optional. It is the first line of defence.

Organised by Jeune Afrique Media Group and co-hosted by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Africa CEO Forum 2026 will convene Africa’s leading public and private decision-makers around a clear conviction: scale can only be achieved through shared African ownership.

The Forum will explore three strategic levers to build continental scale. First is shared equity, which will look to unlock cross-border equity investment to create multinational African champions. Mobilise African institutional capital across markets to strengthen resilience and enhance long-term returns.

Also, is shared infrastructure, which will take on designing complementary infrastructure to integrate African value chains. Champion transformative projects that serve regional, not merely national, needs and create truly connected markets.

Thirdly is shared frameworks, which is set to harmonise standards, rules and regulations to boost investor confidence and enable the free flow of capital, goods and services. Build future-proof digital rails for health, education, agriculture and cross-border payments.

Speaking on this, Mr Amir Ben Yahmed, President of the Africa CEO Forum, stated: “If Africa wants to compete in a world defined by scale, it must move beyond economic patriotism and embrace a new model: African capital investing together. Shared ownership, cross-border partnerships and continental ambition will define the economic future of Africa and the next generation of African champions.”

On his part, Mr Makhtar Diop, Managing Director at IFC, stated: “Africa has the capital and the opportunity to grow and create quality jobs. What matters now is putting that capital to work at scale. That means building trust, sharing risk, and investing across borders. The Africa CEO Forum brings leaders together to connect policy and private investment, and to help shape Africa’s next phase of growth.”

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