Five Nigerians, members of the Cape Town Zone of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, have been extradited from South Africa to the United States to face serious charges including wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted, they could face a combined maximum sentence of 100 years in prison.

The defendants, who were arrested in South Africa in 2021, made their initial court appearances on September 14, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton, New Jersey. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the extradition and the charges in a statement, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies.

The accused individuals are Perry Osagiede, 57, also known by multiple aliases including "Lord Sutan Abubakar de 1st" and "Rob Nicolella"; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42, who goes by names such as "Lord Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela"; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40, also known as "Lord Adekunle Ajasi"; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42, referred to as "Lord Jesse Makoko"; and Musa Mudashiru, 38, known as "Lord Oba Akenzua". All five are accused of leading fraudulent schemes that spanned from 2011 to 2021.

The charges against them include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, with additional counts of aggravated identity theft for some of the defendants. The U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer emphasized that the extradition serves as a reminder that transnational criminal organizations will be pursued relentlessly, regardless of their location.

According to the Department of Justice, the defendants allegedly engaged in extensive internet fraud, particularly through romance scams and advance fee schemes. They reportedly used various online platforms to deceive victims in the United States, often posing as individuals in need of financial assistance due to fabricated emergencies.

The fraudulent activities included coercing victims into sending money by threatening to expose sensitive personal information. The conspirators utilized U.S.-based financial accounts to facilitate the transfer of funds to South Africa, further complicating the investigation.

The wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while aggravated identity theft charges impose a mandatory minimum sentence of two years, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence.

The extradition and subsequent charges reflect a significant effort by U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service, to combat international fraud. Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI Newark office noted that this case illustrates the agency's commitment to holding accountable those who exploit victims through sophisticated online scams.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving the South African Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations, the South African Police Service, and Interpol, showcasing the importance of international cooperation in tackling crime that crosses borders.