Crime

U.S. Court Sentences a Nigerian, Tunde Ayeni to 10 Years in Prison

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 25th, 2024.

U.S. Court Sentences a Nigerian, Tunde Ayeni to 10 Years in Prison

Tunde Ayeni, a Nigerian internet fraudster, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama for his involvement in a $20 million scam. The court also ordered him to pay restitution of approximately $20 million to the victims of his fraudulent activities.

Ayeni, who pleaded guilty to the charges, received a 120-month sentence from Judge Terry Moorer. Although Ayeni had ceased his fraudulent activities in April 2019, the court directed that he repay $19,599,969 in restitution to those defrauded. However, the judge waived interest on the restitution, acknowledging Ayeni’s inability to pay.

In addition to Ayeni, his co-conspirators, Feyisayo Oyindola Oginsanwo and Yusuf Olasunkanmi Lasisi, were also ordered to make restitution payments to the victims.

Following his prison term, U.S. immigration authorities will decide whether Ayeni will face deportation or if he will be allowed to remain in the U.S. under a supervised release program with strict conditions for three years.

Ayeni’s conviction adds to the growing number of Nigerians sentenced for internet fraud by U.S. courts. Other notable cases include those of Bola Bobo Chicago, Ray Hushpuppi, and Mr. Woodberry.

Ayeni’s case is reminiscent of that of Abidemi Rufai, an associate of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was also convicted of fraud but was released just last month.