Five Nigerian nationals extradited from South Africa to the United States are facing federal charges over alleged wire fraud and money laundering, with the charges carrying a combined maximum of up to 100 years in prison if they are convicted.
The men — Perry Osagiede, 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42; and Musa Mudashiru, 38 — were extradited to the US on September 11, 2026, after being arrested in Cape Town in 2021 at the request of American authorities.
The US Department of Justice identified the five as alleged members of the Cape Town Zone of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as Black Axe.
Prosecutors allege that the men participated in internet fraud schemes between 2011 and 2021, including romance scams and advance-fee fraud targeting victims in the United States.
According to the indictment, the alleged schemes involved using social media, dating websites, aliases and internet-based phone numbers to establish relationships with victims before persuading them to send money and other valuables.
The US authorities also allege that some victims were threatened with the release of sensitive photographs when they hesitated to send additional money.
All five defendants face conspiracy charges relating to wire fraud and money laundering. Some also face additional wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.
The US Justice Department said wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years, while the money laundering conspiracy charge also carries a maximum of 20 years. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory additional two-year sentence for those convicted of that offence.
The alleged schemes reportedly targeted more than 100 people and generated millions of dollars, according to US and South African authorities.
The defendants made their initial appearances in federal court in New Jersey on September 14.
The US Department of Justice stressed that the charges are allegations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
