Three Nigerians extradited to US over ‘inheritance fraud scheme’

Three Nigerians have been extradited to the US for allegedly engaging in a “multimillion-dollar inheritance fraud” targeted at elderly Americans.

The suspects are Kennedy Ikponmwosa, Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham and Jerry Chucks Ozor.

According to the US department of justice, Ikponmwosa was extradited to the country from Spain, while Abraham and Ozor were extradited from the United Kingdom.

In a statement published on Friday, the justice department said six Nigerians have been indicted over the alleged inheritance fraud scheme.

The other suspects are Ezennia Peter Neboh, Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, and Emmanuel Samuel.

The justice department said the six suspects are expected to face federal charges in Miami, Florida.

According to the US justice department, the suspects allegedly sent personalised letters to elderly Americans, falsely claiming that they were representatives of a bank in Spain.

The suspects were said to have informed the recipients of the letters that they are “entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain”.

“Victims were told that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities,” the US DoJ said.

“Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to serve as money mules. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received their purported inheritance funds.

“The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Neboh and Samuel were both extradited earlier this year. If convicted, Ikponmwosa, Abraham, and Ozor each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count.

“A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.”