In a shocking expose of crime couples across Nigeria and beyond, five notorious duos have been unmasked for masterminding large-scale frauds that have deceived thousands, from Ponzi schemes and fake job offers to romance and airline ticket scams.
These high-stakes operations, which saw innocent people swindled out of millions, reveal the lengths some will go to for wealth, exploiting trust, hope, and love.
Now, after relentless pursuits by law enforcement, these criminal partnerships are facing justice. Here’s an in-depth look at each couple’s illicit schemes and the consequences they now confront.
1. Bamichei and Elizabeth Ajetumobi
Bamichei Ajetumobi and his wife Elizabeth operated a Ponzi scheme, deceiving thousands of investors and making off with over ₦20 billion. The couple fled Nigeria but Bamichei was tracked down by Interpol in Ivory Coast, extradited, and is currently detained at Ikoyi Correctional Facility. His trial is set for November 29, 2024, while Elizabeth remains at large.
2. Darlington Aporogo and Jasmine Sood
Just a day before their wedding, Darlington Aporogo and Jasmine Sood were arrested in connection to a romance scam targeting elderly Americans. They allegedly defrauded victims of over $3 million, even going as far as meeting a victim to empty her bank account. Now, they both face potential prison terms of up to 30 years.
3. Joseph Richard Ophort and Partner
In Akwa Ibom State, Joseph Richard Ophort and his partner scammed over 7,000 individuals with a fake job and NGO grant scheme, charging job seekers ₦4,800 and soliciting ₦1,000 for fictitious UNICEF grants. The NSCDC confirmed that restitution will be sought, and they’ll be charged accordingly.
4. Bemisola Akinyiade and Adebowale Adiyatu
Operating from Canada, Bemisola Akinyiade and Adebowale Adiyatu masterminded a fake airline ticket scheme, defrauding over 250 travelers of more than $500,000. Their scam left victims stranded at airports with invalid tickets. Both now face charges of obtaining money by false pretenses and computer misuse.
5. Augustine Inamikbay Omoboy, Elio Joe Giuseppe Nindakwo, and Kingsley Onu
This syndicate promised government jobs, claiming to secure roles at agencies like the NNPC and FRSC. They amassed over ₦22 million from desperate job seekers before being apprehended. The EFCC is finalizing its investigation, and court proceedings are imminent.
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