Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

2 Nigerian citizens plead guilty to $2 million romance scam

HOUSTON – Federal prosecutors say two Nigerian citizens living outside Houston and posing as South African diplomats have pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a $2 million romance scam conspiracy.

As part of a plea agreement Friday, 48-year-old Kunle Mutiu Amoo and 61-year-old Lanre Sunday Abeobad said they participated in a scheme to defraud victims by using romantic overtures and then falsely promised to repay them.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson says one person would pose as manager of a construction company doing business in South Africa and needing money to transfer $42 million in profits from there to the United States.

Sentencing for the pair, who remain jailed, has been set for Sept. 22. Each could get up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles