Four individuals, all Nigerian citizens residing in the United States and Canada, have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a conspiracy that carried out romance and investment scams against victims across the U.S., the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Tennessee announced today.
U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced the individuals in separate hearings:
- Patrick Edah, 40, a Nigerian citizen living near Toronto, Canada, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on Oct. 30, 2024.
- Efe Egbowawa, 41, a Nigerian citizen residing in Atlanta, received a 60-month sentence on April 17, 2024.
- Igocha Mac-Okor, 40, also a Nigerian citizen residing in Atlanta, was sentenced to 50 months on Oct. 30, 2024.
- Kay Ozegbe, 44, a naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Atlanta, was sentenced to 36 months on Sept. 23, 2024.
According to the department, evidence presented in court showed that, from 2017 to around November 2021, members of the conspiracy used false identities on social media, gaming apps, dating websites, and other online platforms.