Afrobeats Artist NPZ, Linked to Davido’s Label, Arrested by FBI for Alleged Fraud
U.S. federal authorities have arrested Nigerian Afrobeats artist Chinedu Opute, popularly known as NPZ, over alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. NPZ, who has collaborated in the past with music star Davido, was taken into custody on April 30 in Atlanta, Georgia.
According to court documents obtained by Peoples Gazette, a grand jury in the Northern District of Ohio indicted Opute on April 16 following investigations into his alleged cybercrime activities. He faces multiple charges, including wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering.
Despite being granted bail by Magistrate Judge Justin Anand of the Northern District of Georgia, prosecutors quickly challenged the decision, citing Opute’s permanent U.S. residency and concerns he might flee using his Nigerian passport. No legal representation was listed for him during the bail hearing.
Prosecutors allege that Opute collaborated with others to defraud individuals and organizations in the U.S., with losses running into millions of dollars. He is accused of being directly involved in a June 2023 incident in which approximately $500,000 was fraudulently moved through various American bank accounts.
Further evidence, including bank records and intercepted communications, reportedly show Opute coordinating illegal transactions with accomplices. Hundreds of suspicious financial transfers—ranging from small sums to thousands of dollars—were allegedly tied to his accounts.
Opute, who resides in Sandy Springs, Georgia, gained recognition in the late 2000s and early 2010s through music projects with Davido. Their collaborative tracks include “Aisha,” “Bad Boy,” and “African Champion,” which Davido once promoted on social media.
Davido’s camp has not responded to inquiries about the situation. The arrest marks another legal controversy involving someone from Davido’s circle, as the singer himself recently faced a lawsuit in New York over alleged copyright infringement.
