SIX NIGERIAN EXTRADITED FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO USA OVER ONLINE LOVE SCAMS
Six (6) Nigerian nationals wanted in the United States for alleged wire fraud and money laundering have been extradited from South Africa following a joint operation involving the Hawks and INTERPOL South Africa.
The six men — Perry Osagiede, Collins Owhofsa Otughwor, Osariemen Eric Clement, Musa Mudashiri, Franklyn Edosa Osagiede and Prince Ibeabuchi Mark — were extradited on Friday, 11 September 2026.
According to the Hawks, the men are alleged to be members of the Black Axe organised criminal network and are wanted by US authorities in connection with an alleged online romance scam operation.
MORE THAN 100 WOMEN ALLEGEDLY TARGETED
US authorities allege that the suspects targeted more than 100 women in the United States and defrauded victims of more than R100 million through online love or romance scams.
The alleged victims included pensioners and businesspeople, who were reportedly drawn into sophisticated online relationships before allegedly being defrauded of their money.
The six were among eight Nigerian nationals arrested in South Africa in 2021 during a major Hawks/DPCI operation.
In February 2024, the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court ruled that the alleged members could be extradited to the US.
Two of the eight suspects, Enorense Izevbiege and Toriseju Gabriel Otubu, did not proceed with their appeals. Izevbiege was subsequently extradited to the US, while Otubu was granted R210,000 bail with conditions.
HANDED OVER TO US AUTHORITIES
INTERPOL South Africa coordinated the extradition process, with the six suspects transported from a correctional facility in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport.
They were handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Secret Service before boarding a flight to the US.
The journey took approximately 16 hours.
The allegations against the suspects will now be dealt with through the US justice system.
