By Ghazali Ibrahim
Five Nigerians extradited from South Africa to the United States over alleged internet fraud and money laundering could face a combined maximum of 100 years in prison if convicted.
The suspects are Perry Osagiede, 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42; and Musa Mudashiru, 38.
The United States Department of Justice said the five men were extradited on September 11, 2026, after they were arrested in Cape Town in 2021 at the request of US authorities.
They are accused of participating in fraud schemes between 2011 and 2021, allegedly targeting American victims through romance scams, advance-fee fraud and other internet schemes.
US Attorney Robert Frazer also alleged that the defendants were leaders of the Cape Town Zone of Black Axe, which he described as an organisation based in Benin City, Nigeria, with operations in several countries.
According to the DOJ, the suspects allegedly used social media and dating platforms to build relationships with victims under fake identities before persuading them to send money and valuables to South Africa.
Some of the defendants also face additional wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.
The DOJ said the conspiracy charges carry maximum prison terms of up to 20 years, while aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence to be served consecutively.
The US authorities, however, stressed that the allegations have not been proven in court and that the five defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
