Nigerian fraudster jailed in US ordered to repay N437.5 million to victims

A Nigerian who participated in numerous fraud schemes that resulted in losses estimated at N738 million ($1.8 million) has been jailed in the United States.

Shalom Olumide Ayotunde last year pleaded guilty to passport fraud, false claim to U.S. citizenship, wire fraud, and false statement to a financial institution.

The convict in 2018 provided false identifying information in his application for a U.S. passport, and falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen.

The 39-year-old was also involved in falsifying information in fraudulent applications for Payment Protection Program loans which enabled him receive over N410 million ($1 million).

He was also found guilty of conspiracy to defraud companies through business email compromise schemes.

He acted as a money mule and received or attempted to receive more than N328 million ($800,000) in stolen funds.

U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III sentenced Ayotunde to 46 months in prison in a ruling delivered on Thursday, January 6, 2021.

The convict was also ordered to pay restitution pegged at N437.5 million ($1,067,000).