Five Nigerians based in South Africa who were extradited to the United States are facing charges over alleged wire fraud and money laundering, with the defendants potentially facing a combined maximum of up to 100 years in prison if convicted.
The five men were extradited from South Africa to the US on September 11, 2026, following their arrests in Cape Town in 2021 at the request of American authorities. They were accused of defrauding American women of more than $6 million through online romance scams and other fraudulent schemes.
The defendants were identified as Perry Osagiede, 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42; and Musa Mudashiru, 38.
According to the United States Department of Justice, the five were allegedly leaders of the Cape Town Zone of Black Axe, which US authorities described as a criminal organisation with operations in several countries.
Prosecutors alleged that between 2011 and 2021, the men and other members of the network operated from Cape Town and engaged in internet fraud, including romance scams and advance-fee schemes. They allegedly used social media, online dating platforms and Voice over Internet Protocol numbers to establish contact with victims in the US while using different aliases.
The victims were allegedly deceived into believing they were in romantic relationships with the suspects and were subsequently persuaded to send money and valuables overseas. Prosecutors also alleged that some victims were threatened with the release of sensitive photographs when they refused to send additional funds.
Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Clement face individual wire fraud charges, while Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Otughwor were also charged with aggravated identity theft.
The US Justice Department said the wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the money laundering conspiracy charge also carries a maximum of 20 years. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year sentence that must run consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
The defendants were scheduled to appear before US District Judge Michael Shipp at the federal court in Trenton, New Jersey. The charges remain allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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