Ezeego extradition sees alleged fraud suspect Osondu Victor Igwilo transferred to the US over multi-million-dollar fraud charges
Suspected international fraudster Osondu Victor Igwilo, popularly known as “Ezeego King of the Boys”, has reportedly been extradited from Nigeria to the United States to face allegations connected to a multi-million-dollar international fraud scheme.
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Sources familiar with the development told SaharaReporters that Igwilo was transferred on Monday afternoon from the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja and handed over to United States authorities.
According to the sources, the extradition marks a major development in a case that has attracted international attention since American authorities first accused Igwilo of leading a sophisticated fraud network several years ago.
One source further alleged that while in custody, Igwilo wielded considerable influence within the correctional facility and maintained close relationships with some prison officials.
The source also made claims about corruption and illicit dealings within the prison system. However, those allegations remain unverified and have not been independently confirmed by relevant authorities.
The source additionally alleged that another inmate identified as Shettima collected more than N200 million from Igwilo under the promise of helping to prevent the extradition process. No official evidence has been presented publicly to support the allegation.
The Ezeego Extradition follows years of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and United States law enforcement agencies.
Igwilo first came to public prominence in March 2022 when EFCC operatives arrested him during a raid in the Sangotedo area of Lagos State.
The anti-graft agency said at the time that he had been on the watch list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 2018.
The EFCC alleged that Igwilo and three other suspects were involved in fraud, money laundering and identity theft activities linked to an estimated $100 million scheme.
Authorities further accused him of leading a network of intermediaries, commonly referred to in fraud investigations as “catchers”, who allegedly received and moved illicit funds on behalf of criminal syndicates.
According to the commission, victims were allegedly targeted through advance-fee fraud schemes involving false promises of investment funding and impersonation of officials from financial institutions.
The case also attracted attention in the United States after prosecutors in 2018 charged Igwilo in connection with an alleged international fraud operation.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Igwilo was accused of orchestrating a scheme in which victims were persuaded to pay advance fees in exchange for promised investment funding that never materialised.
American investigators alleged that members of the network posed as bank representatives, used forged documents and fake government seals, and facilitated the movement of funds through various accounts before proceeds were allegedly transferred to Nigeria.
Prosecutors also claimed that some of the proceeds were used to acquire luxury vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz and Range Rover models, which were later shipped to Nigeria.
Igwilo faces allegations including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft.
The charges remain allegations, and his guilt or innocence will be determined through judicial proceedings in the United States.
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As of press time, Nigerian and U.S. authorities had not issued an official statement confirming the extradition.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
