US congratulates EFCC for arresting Nigerian man on FBI wanted list since 2018

WASHINGTON has congratulated the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for arresting a Nigerian man who had been on the Federal Bureau of Intelligence's (FBI) wanted list over a $100m wire fraud conspiracy.

Osondu Victor Igwilo, has been on the FBI wanted list since 2018 for an array of crimes that include money laundering and aggravated identity theft. Earlier today, the EFCC announced that Mr Igwilo, 42, was arrested alongside Okafor Nnamdi Chris, Nwodu Uchenna Emmanuel and John Anazo Achukwu, at a studio in the Sangotedo area of Lagos..

An EFCC spokesman said: “Before their arrest, Igwilo and his accomplices had allegedly been involved in an advance-fee scheme that involved false promises of investment funding by individuals who impersonated some USA bank officials in person and via the internet. Investigations revealed that those who fell victim of the suspects’ criminal activities were asked to make certain payments before they could receive their funding.

“It was also revealed that proceeds of the scheme were allegedly laundered through US bank accounts and diverted back to the alleged perpetrators in Nigeria. Consequently, Igwilo was placed on the FBI watch list, following a criminal complaint filed against him in the United States District Court, Houston, Texas in December 2016.”

Five houses located in choice areas of Lagos have been recovered from Mr Igwilo and the EFCC said the suspects will soon be charged to court. Delighted with the development, the US Mission in Nigeria issued a congratulatory statement to the EFCC immediately the anti-corruption agency announced the arrest of Mr Igwilo.

“With justice as our mutual priority, we congratulate the EFCC for partnering with the FBI and arresting long-time wanted suspect Igwilo for fraud conspiracy, money laundering and aggravated identity theft," an embassy spokesman said.