Four Nigerian Citizens Sentenced for Romance Scams in the US

In a significant federal case, four Nigerian citizens have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in an elaborate conspiracy that orchestrated a series of romance and investment scams targeting victims across the United States, including those residing in Western Tennessee. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, Reagan Fondren, announced the sentences on November 12, 2024, which underscored the severity of these crimes that caused emotional and financial harm to the victims.

Details of the Romance Scam Scheme

Between 2017 and November 2021, the defendants leveraged false identities to deceive victims through various online platforms, such as social media, dating websites, and gaming applications. This strategy allowed them to forge what seemed like genuine friendships and romantic relationships with unsuspecting individuals. The perpetrators, referred to as "handlers," cultivated relationships that grew quickly through constant communication, including text messages, emails, and phone calls.

Once these connections were established, the unsuspecting victims were gradually drawn into financial scams. The relationship dynamics created a sense of trust, leading victims to believe that their online partners were in dire financial need. As the scammers presented increasingly desperate financial situations—a sudden illness, unexpected bills, or emergency travel—they would request small sums of money, gradually escalating to larger amounts. The manipulation was subtle but effective, resulting in significant financial losses for many victims.

The Defendants

The four Nigerians sentenced include:

• Patrick Edah, 40, residing in the Toronto area, Canada
• Efe Egbowawa, 41, residing in the Atlanta area
• Igocha Mac-Okor, 40, also based in the Atlanta area
• Kay Ozegbe, 44, a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Atlanta

Each defendant played specific roles in the conspiracy. They acted as "money mules," collaborating to move the financial proceeds accumulated from their scams through various bank accounts and shell companies. This multi-layered approach was designed to obfuscate the origins of the funds, complicating law enforcement efforts to trace the illicit cash flow.

Impact on Victims

The consequences of this scam were devastating for many individuals. Victims, often vulnerable and seeking companionship, found themselves embroiled in complex manipulative tactics that left them not only financially crippled but emotionally shattered. The investigation revealed that dozens of victims lost amounts ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

One particularly heartbreaking account involved a victim from the Western District of Tennessee who fell prey to the scammers over several months, losing a staggering $400,000. This case highlights the grave emotional and financial toll that such scams can inflict, as victims not only suffer monetary loss but also grapple with betrayal and trust issues stemming from their experience.

Legal Proceedings

The legal repercussions for the defendants came after a federal grand jury in the Western District of Tennessee indicted them on June 29, 2023, charging them with conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering.

• Efe Egbowawa was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on April 17, 2024.
• Kay Ozegbe received a 36-month sentence on September 23, 2024.
• Patrick Edah was sentenced to 30 months on October 30, 2024.
• Igocha Mac-Okor faced a 50-month sentence on the same day.