Five Nigerian men extradited from South Africa to the United States are facing federal charges over an alleged decade-long operation involving online romance scams, advance-fee fraud and money laundering.
The men, identified by the U.S. Department of Justice as leaders of the Cape Town Zone of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, were extradited on September 11, 2026. They were scheduled to make initial appearances and attend arraignments in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, on September 14.
The potential prison terms attached to the charges could amount to a lengthy sentence if the defendants are convicted. However, the “100 years” figure refers to a possible combined maximum, not a sentence handed down by a judge.
Who are the five defendants?
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The defendants named by the DOJ are:
- Perry Osagiede, 57
- Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42
- Osariemen Eric Clement, 40
- Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42
- Musa Mudashiru, 38
All five are originally from Nigeria and are accused of holding leadership positions within the Cape Town Zone of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as Black Axe.
According to the DOJ, Osagiede founded the Cape Town Zone and served as its zonal head. The five men are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, allegedly spanning 2011 to 2021.
Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Clement also face wire fraud charges. Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Otughwor are additionally charged with aggravated identity theft.
Alleged romance scams targeted US victims
Court documents cited by prosecutors allege that the defendants and other conspirators operated from Cape Town and used social media, online dating platforms and internet-based phone numbers to contact people in the United States.
Prosecutors say some victims were led to believe they were in romantic relationships with people using false identities. The alleged scammers then asked them to send money or other valuables overseas.
According to the indictment, some stories involved a person supposedly travelling to South Africa for work who suddenly needed financial help after an unexpected problem. The explanations sometimes involved construction sites or crane-related difficulties.
The DOJ also alleges that when some victims hesitated to send money, members of the operation threatened to distribute sensitive photographs of them.
These claims form part of the prosecution’s case and have not been proven in court.
How prosecutors say the money was moved
The indictment alleges that the group used bank accounts belonging to victims and other people with US-based financial accounts to transfer funds to South Africa.
In some instances, prosecutors say victims were persuaded to open US financial accounts that the conspirators could then access.
The alleged operation also involved laundering money obtained through advance-fee schemes and business email compromise fraud. Prosecutors say the defendants used business entities, alongside aliases, to conceal the source and nature of funds.
The investigation involved several agencies, including the FBI and the US Secret Service, with assistance from South African authorities and Interpol.
What prison terms could they face?
The DOJ says the wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years, along with a possible fine of up to $250,000.
The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a possible fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater.
The aggravated identity theft charges carry a mandatory two-year prison term, which must run consecutively to any other prison sentence imposed.
The possible penalties depend on the charges and the outcome of the case. The defendants have not been convicted, and the maximum terms should not be read as a prediction of the sentences they might receive.
Arrested in 2021, extradited in September 2026
The DOJ says the five men were arrested in South Africa in 2021 at the request of the United States. They were extradited to the US on September 11, 2026, after a years-long investigation and international cooperation.
The South African Hawks and Interpol confirmed that six Nigerian nationals were extradited in the broader operation. The DOJ’s New Jersey announcement, however, identifies five defendants in the case described here.
Investigation continues
US authorities say the case reflects an effort to pursue alleged transnational fraud operations regardless of where suspects are based.
The DOJ has also asked anyone who believes they may have been a victim to consult its case information and victim questionnaire.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Further details about the allegations and the next stages of the proceedings may emerge as the case progresses.
