Six Nigerian Black Axe Cultists Extradited from South Africa to U.S. on Multimillion-Dollar Wire Fraud Charges

Six Nigerian Black Axe Cultists Extradited from South Africa to U.S. on Multimillion-Dollar Wire Fraud Charges

  • Posted by Jimmy Iweh
  • 2 minute read

Six Nigerian Black Axe cultists have been extradited to the United States from South Africa following a multi-year investigation into their involvement in large-scale wire fraud and romance scams. The extradition, announced on Friday by South African authorities in partnership with INTERPOL, marks a significant step in the global fight against transnational cybercrime. The six men were arrested in 2021 during a raid conducted by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks. Though their names were not officially released during the extradition announcement, documents from the U.S. Department of Justice revealed their identities and the charges they face.

Among those extradited is Perry Osagiede, 52, also known as “Lord Sutan Abubakar de 1st” and “Rob Nicolella,” or “Alan Salomon.” He faces charges including wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering conspiracy. Enorense Izevbigie, 45, popularly called “Richy Izevbigie” or “Lord Samuel S Nujoma,” shares similar charges. Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 37, known as “Lord Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,” is also charged with wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering conspiracy.

Osariemen Eric Clement, 35, who goes by “Lord Adekunle Ajasi” or “Aiden Wilson,” was similarly charged with wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering conspiracy. Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 37, known as “Lord Jesse Makoko” or “Philip Coughlan,” faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Musa Mudashiru, 33, popularly referred to as “Lord Oba Akenzua,” is charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.

U.S. authorities confirmed that these individuals were involved in financial crimes between 2011 and 2021. They were identified as leaders within the Neo Black Movement of Africa, commonly known as the Black Axe, an organized criminal group headquartered in Benin City, Nigeria. The group operates through regional chapters called “zones,” and the six Nigerians were key figures in the Cape Town Zone. Perry Osagiede founded the Cape Town chapter and served as its zonal head alongside Izevbigie.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, members of Black Axe openly discussed and participated in fraudulent schemes. Their operations targeted victims globally, using sophisticated methods to steal identities and launder millions of dollars. The successful extradition underscores international cooperation in combating cybercrime and highlights the growing pressure on transnational criminal networks operating from African soil.

This development sends a strong message to other suspected criminals linked to the Black Axe and similar groups. It reinforces the importance of global collaboration in tracking and prosecuting digital fraudsters. As law enforcement agencies continue to dismantle such networks, more cases are expected to come to light in the near future.