Five Nigerians in South Africa could face 100 years in US prison

Five Nigerians living in South Africa were sent to the United States on September 11. They face serious charges of wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted, they could spend up to 100 years in prison for their alleged crimes.

The men were set to appear before US District Judge Michael Shipp at the Trenton federal court. This information comes from a statement released on Monday by the United States Department of Justice.

PUNCH Metro reported on Friday that these suspects were extradited due to claims they tricked American women out of over $6 million through online romance scams. They were arrested in Cape Town in 2021 at the request of US authorities.

US Attorney Robert Frazer named the defendants as Perry Osagiede, 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42; and Musa Mudashiru, 38.

The defendants face charges in a new indictment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. These activities are said to have occurred from 2011 to 2021.

Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, and Clement also face separate wire fraud charges. Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, and Otughwor were charged with aggravated identity theft.

Frazer claims that the five men led an organization called Black Axe. This group is based in Benin City, Nigeria, and operates in various countries.

He explained that the organization is divided into regional chapters called “zones.” The defendants are said to have been leaders in the Cape Town Zone in South Africa.

According to Frazer, Perry Osagiede founded this Cape Town Zone and was its head. He said the defendants and other members took part in various fraud schemes.

“From at least 2011 through 2021, the Black Axe defendants and other conspirators worked together from Cape Town to engage in widespread internet fraud involving romance scams and advance-fee schemes,” he stated.

The attorney said the suspects used social media and online dating sites, as well as Voice over Internet Protocol numbers, to find and talk to victims in the US. They operated under different names.

Frazer claimed that victims were tricked into thinking they were in romantic relationships with the suspects. They ended up sending money and other valuable items abroad, including to South Africa.

He also mentioned that the suspects sometimes threatened victims with sharing sensitive photos if they hesitated to send money. They allegedly used US bank accounts belonging to victims and others to transfer funds to South Africa.

The attorney noted that the defendants also laundered money from email scams, romance scams, and advance-fee fraud. They used fake names and business fronts to hide where the money came from.

According to the DOJ, each wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The money laundering conspiracy charge can also lead to 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater.

The department added that aggravated identity theft has a mandatory two-year prison term. This must be served in addition to any other sentence given to a defendant.

The DOJ confirmed that the five men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 at the request of US authorities. They were extradited to the US on September 11, 2026.

However, the DOJ emphasized that the charges in the indictment are only allegations. The defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.

“The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” Frazer said.