Nigerian Fraudster Ehis Akhimie Gets 97 Months in U.S. Prison for $6m Inheritance Scam

A U.S. federal court has sentenced Nigerian national Ehis Lawrence Akhimie to 97 months in prison for masterminding a transnational inheritance fraud that swindled more than 400 Americans out of over $6 million.

Judge Roy Altman of the Southern District of Florida handed down the sentence on September 11, 2025, months after the 41-year-old pleaded guilty to multiple counts of wire fraud and conspiracy.

According to court filings, Akhimie and a network of accomplices operating from Spain, the U.K., Nigeria, and the U.S.—targeted mostly elderly victims with personalised letters and emails. They falsely claimed the victims were heirs to multimillion-dollar estates and persuaded them to pay bogus taxes, legal fees, and delivery charges.

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that Akhimie personally admitted to collecting millions through accounts controlled by the syndicate. Seven other conspirators have previously been convicted in the case, with sentences ranging from 82 to 128 months.

Notable accomplices include:

• Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata – 97 months (April 2025)

• Ezennia Peter Neboh – 128 months (November 2023)

• Kennedy Ikponmwosa – 97 months (October 2023)

• Emmanuel Samuel, Jerry Chucks Ozor, and Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham – 82, 87, and 90 months respectively (all extradited from the U.K.)

• Amos Prince Okey Ezemma – 90 months (extradited from Nigeria, July 2024)

U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones said after the ruling:

“Schemes like this don’t just steal money; they rob our seniors of dignity and peace of mind. We will keep fighting for victims and ensure fraudsters face justice.

Federal investigators advised the public to remain cautious about unsolicited messages promising inheritances or lottery wins, noting such scams often rely on pressure tactics and requests for upfront fees.