FBI Hunts for Six Most Wanted Nigerians in U.S., Suspected to Be Hiding in Nigeria

In a gripping international pursuit, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has placed six Nigerian nationals at the center of a global manhunt, labeling them as “cyber’s most wanted.” These individuals, who are believed to be residing in Nigeria, are facing allegations of involvement in a string of criminal activities that span romance scams, fraudulent wire transfers, and advanced fee fraud schemes.

The wanted sextuplet includes Felix Osilama Okpoh, Alex Afolabi Ogunsakin, Micheal Olorunyomi, Richard Izuchukwu Uzhi, Nnamdi Orson Benson, and Abiola Ayorinde Kayode, all now subjects of an extensive FBI search operation.

Mr. Olorunyomi stands accused of orchestrating a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded more than 70 U.S. businesses, resulting in staggering losses surpassing $6 million. His alleged crimes extend to romance fraud, where he is believed to have defrauded vulnerable individuals of over $1 million, leading to a federal arrest warrant in November 2019.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kayode is sought for his purported involvement in a BEC scheme that inflicted over $6 million in losses on numerous U.S. businesses. He is accused of facilitating fraudulent wire transfers and engaging in BEC and romance frauds, with legal action initiated against him in August 2019.

Mr. Benson is wanted for his alleged role in another BEC scheme, leading to substantial financial consequences. He is accused of providing bank accounts for fraudulent wire transfers and participating in romance and advanced fee fraud schemes. A federal warrant for his arrest was issued in August 2019.

Mr. Uzuh faces allegations of participating in a BEC scheme that defrauded numerous U.S. businesses of over $6 million. His charges also include money laundering and collaboration with others involved in BEC schemes, with a federal warrant issued on October 19, 2016.

Mr. Okpoh is wanted for his alleged involvement in a BEC scheme that defrauded numerous U.S. businesses of over $6 million. He is accused of providing bank accounts for fraudulent wire transfers, resulting in losses exceeding $1 million, leading to an arrest warrant issued on August 22, 2019.

Lastly, Mr. Ogunsakin is sought for his role in a BEC scheme that caused substantial financial losses to multiple U.S. businesses. He is accused of providing bank accounts for fraudulent wire transfers and participating in these schemes by sending spoofed emails. A federal warrant for his arrest was issued on August 22, 2019.

These individuals join a growing list of Nigerians implicated in criminal activities and scams, with some already incarcerated and others facing legal action. Notably, Nigerian socialite Ramon Abass, Abba Kyari, a senior police officer, Olalekan Ponle (Woodberry), and Obinwanne Okeke (Invictus Obi) have all made headlines for their involvement in various cybercrimes and frauds, highlighting the international scope of these criminal enterprises.

(PG)