Last Member of Nigerian Inheritance Scam Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison

A federal judge has sentenced Amos Prince Okey Ezemma, the last member of a Nigerian fraud ring, to over seven years in prison for his role in a $6 million inheritance scam that targeted elderly U.S. citizens. Ezemma, 49, was found guilty of mail and wire fraud after defrauding more than 400 senior citizens over a five-year period. His sentencing concludes a case that involved six co-conspirators and extensive international investigations.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams handed down the sentence, which includes seven years and one month in federal prison. Ezemma and his co-conspirators were also ordered to pay $6 million in restitution to the victims. Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Arizona called the scheme “morally reprehensible,” especially given that it preyed on a vulnerable population.

“Targeting the elderly for pure financial gain is beyond shameful,” Burrola stated. “Protecting such a vulnerable population is not just the responsibility of family members but also law enforcement agencies like HSI and our partners.”

The six fraudsters, all Nigerian nationals, were indicted in February 2023. Three of them operated from Spain, while the others were based in England. The scam lured victims into believing they had inherited large sums of money from a deceased relative. The victims were convinced to send money, purportedly to cover taxes and fees, to claim the inheritance.

How the Scam Worked

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Ezemma and his co-conspirators contacted elderly victims, claiming to represent a Spanish bank. They informed the victims that a deceased relative living in Portugal had left them millions of dollars. The victims were told they needed to send money to cover taxes, delivery fees, and other administrative costs to avoid legal trouble. However, the promised inheritance never existed.

The scam involved former victims, who had been manipulated into forwarding the money to the fraudsters or their associates, making it harder for authorities to track the funds. The victims, many of whom lost their life savings, never received the inheritance they were promised.

Sentences for Other Fraud Ring Members

The sentencing of Ezemma follows the imprisonment of his five co-conspirators. Emmanuel Samuel was sentenced to 82 months, Jerry Chucks Ozor to 87 months, Iheanychukwu Jonathan Abraham to 90 months, and Kennedy Ikponmwosa to 87 months. The harshest sentence, 10 years and eight months, was given to Ezennia Peter Neboh.

The investigation was a joint effort by several international agencies, including Homeland Security, the U.S. Postal Service, the National Crime Agency in the U.K., and law enforcement in Spain, Portugal, and Nigeria. This collaboration helped authorities bring the fraudsters to justice.

Arrest and Prosecution of Ezemma

Ezemma was the last member of the ring to be arrested. He was taken into custody on December 7, 2023, when he arrived at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. He remained in custody until his trial in 2024. Authorities had already apprehended the other five members of the fraud ring in Madrid and London in April 2022, following indictments in the Southern District of Florida.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton commented on the insidious nature of the scheme, stating, “Schemes that prey on the elderly are particularly insidious. The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will pursue and prosecute transnational criminals who defraud U.S. consumers, wherever they are located.”

Warning Signs of Inheritance Scams

The DOJ has warned the public to be cautious of inheritance scams. Fraudsters often pose as lawyers, bankers, or foreign officials and promise large sums of money through fake legal documents. They pressure victims to send money quickly to cover fees or taxes. Consumers are advised to be skeptical of unexpected windfalls, resist pressure to act immediately, and seek advice from trusted individuals or professionals before sending any money.

Elderly victims, particularly those over 60, are encouraged to call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311 if they suspect they have been targeted. This hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, offers support on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The sentencing of Amos Prince Okey Ezemma marks the end of a complex international fraud case that exploited the hopes and trust of elderly individuals. Authorities continue to warn the public to remain vigilant against such scams.