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A 36-year-old Nigerian, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a transnational inheritance scam that defrauded over 400 victims, primarily elderly and vulnerable individuals, of more than $6 million. Ogbata entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Nigerian pleads guilty in US to $6m inheritance scam

A 36-year-old Nigerian, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a transnational inheritance scam that defrauded over 400 victims, primarily elderly and vulnerable individuals, of more than $6 million.

Ogbata entered the guilty plea in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Sentencing is scheduled for April 14, 2025, before Judge Roy K. Altman. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the elaborate fraud operation spanned several years and involved personalised letters purporting to represent a Spanish bank. The letters falsely claimed recipients were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances from deceased relatives overseas. Victims were tricked into sending payments for supposed delivery fees, taxes, and other charges required to release their “inheritance funds.” However, no funds existed, and the entire operation was a scam.

Ogbata and his network used U.S.-based accomplices, many of whom were former victims, to collect and transfer the stolen money. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, pointed out the significance of international cooperation in combating such crimes.

“This case is a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime,” Boynton said, thanking U.S. and international agencies for their contributions to the case.

U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida stated the commitment to protecting vulnerable populations: “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly. Individuals who defraud American consumers will be brought to justice, no matter where they are located.”

This is the second high-profile case involving the international fraud ring. Several co-conspirators have already been convicted and sentenced, including Ezennia Peter Neboh, extradited from Spain and sentenced to 128 months in prison; Kennedy Ikponmwosa, also extradited from Spain and sentenced to 97 months; Emmanuel Samuel, Jerry Chucks Ozor, and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham extradited from the UK and sentenced to 82, 87, and 90 months, respectively; and Prince Amos Okey Ezemma, extradited from Nigeria and sentenced to 90 months in prison.

Nigerian pleads guilty in US to $6m inheritance scam

A group, Yoruba Stakeholders Assembly has made some clarifications on the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS and the accompanied controversy. The group in a statement issued by its convener, Comrade Dayo Olawale said as a committed voice for transparency and awareness in Nigeria, the Yoruba Stakeholders Assembly “seeks to address the recent misinformation
Yoruba stakeholders make clarifications on fuel prices controversy

A group, Yoruba Stakeholders Assembly has made some clarifications on the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS and the accompanied controversy.

The group in a statement issued by its convener, Comrade Dayo Olawale said as a committed voice for transparency and awareness in Nigeria, the Yoruba Stakeholders Assembly “seeks to address the recent misinformation surrounding the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in the country.”

It said In this era of rampant speculation and misinformation, it is crucial to separate fact from fiction—especially when the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians are at stake.

It said the statement should serve as a reminder that informed citizens are the backbone of a thriving democracy, stating that, “A nuanced understanding of market dynamics, governmental roles, and inter-business negotiations is essential in fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant, seek verifiable facts, and engage in productive discussions that ultimately contribute to a more sustainable future for our nation. “

Establishing the fact that there is non-existence of government control over PMS pricing, the group said, “Contrary to popular belief, it is imperative to clarify that neither the government nor the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) possesses the authority to fix the price of PMS. The pricing mechanism for PMS has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a deregulated market where market forces predominantly dictate prices. This framework is designed to create a competitive environment that benefits consumers while fostering a healthier economic climate.

It went further to state that the current situation is market forces at Play.

According to the group, “In a deregulated market, the price of PMS is influenced by multiple factors, including supply and demand, global oil prices, and operational costs related to refining and distribution. The NNPC Ltd has actively engaged with private entities to ensure a steady supply of fuel, thus promoting competition and potentially lowering prices.”

Speaking on the realty of fuel acquisition rates, the statement said, recent discussions have brought to light the fact that NNPC Ltd procured fuel from Dangote Refinery at a cost of N898 per liter. “It is critical to emphasize that NNPC Ltd’s engagement with Dangote was aimed exclusively at ensuring that Nigerians have access to fuel at a fair price. This negotiation process underscores NNPC Ltd’s commitment to representing the interests of the Nigerian populace.

On sustaining and affordable fuel prices, the group said for the past year, the market price of petrol has hovered around N1,100 per liter. “However, thanks to the proactive measures undertaken by NNPC Ltd, ordinary Nigerians have been shielded from these soaring prices, benefiting from a subsidized rate of N620 per liter. This has been possible due to NNPC Ltd covering the shortfall—an effort that, while noble, has become an unsustainable endeavor. This cry for sustainability reflects NNPC Ltd’s commitment to balancing providing affordable fuel and maintaining fiscal responsibility.

“There is a misconception that the government dictated the pricing structure for Dangote’s fuel. In actuality, it is Dangote who independently decided to sell his refined fuel to NNPC Ltd at N898 per liter. Initial negotiations revealed Dangote’s proposed price to be well over N900 per liter, which NNPC Ltd successfully negotiated down to a more manageable rate for the benefit of the Nigerian consumer.

“NNPC Ltd’s directive to Dangote to also sell his fuel to other marketers, under a willing buyer-willing seller basis as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), reinforces the commitment to creating a competitive market. This action aims to ensure that pricing remains fair, accessible, and transparent—principles that should govern all transactions in the energy sector.

“Recent statements suggesting that Dangote intends to sell fuel to Nigerians at prices significantly lower than market rates, only for the government to intervene, are grossly misinformed. The narrative that suggests government manipulation of fuel prices is not grounded in reality. The truth lies in the fact that the price negotiated by NNPC Ltd is a direct result of market influences, competitive negotiations, and the pressing need to ensure fair access to fuel for all Nigerians.

“In conclusion, as we navigate these turbulent waters of economic discourse and fuel pricing, we urge all Nigerians to remain wise and discerning consumers of information. It is vital for the public discourse to be anchored in facts rather than fiction so that we, as a nation, can collectively address the challenges we face with integrity and transparency.

“The Yoruba Stakeholders Assembly is committed to fostering an informed citizenry—one that propels Nigeria towards a sustainable future, grounded in facts. “

Yoruba stakeholders make clarifications on fuel prices controversy