Nigerian nationals—Nelson Chigaogejimu, Francis Emeka, and Udala Chukwudi—have been sentenced to five years in an Indian prison for orchestrating an online scam that defrauded an Indian school teacher out of ₹6.3 lakh (approximately $7,500 USD).
According to a report by The Times of India, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Richa Verma, delivered the judgment on Saturday, marking another high-profile conviction in India’s ongoing crackdown on cyber fraud activities. In addition to their jail sentences, each convict was fined ₹75,000, with an additional 15 days of imprisonment imposed if the fine is not paid.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Ruchi Singh, a resident of Aashanagar and a teacher in India’s Basic Education Department. Singh reported that she received a message on May 12, 2020, from an international number, claiming to be someone named “Deepak Lee”, supposedly based in London.
The scammer, who had also provided an email ID, claimed to have discovered her profile through a matrimonial website, initiating regular conversations via WhatsApp. Eventually, the scammer told Singh that he had sent her a parcel from the UK, providing a tracking number and link that initially showed the package in London, and later in Delhi.
The situation escalated when a woman posing as a customs officer contacted Singh and informed her that the parcel was being held due to unpaid customs fees. Trusting the source, Singh transferred ₹6,31,548 across multiple bank accounts for customs clearance. When the parcel failed to arrive, Singh filed a police report at Kotwali Police Station under the directive of the Superintendent of Police.
The police launched an investigation and swiftly identified the fraudsters. Nelson Chigaogejimu, Francis Emeka, and Udala Chukwudi were tracked down and arrested in Delhi on October 17, 2020. The three had been in police custody since their arrest.
They were charged under several sections of Indian law, including those pertaining to cheating, forgery, the Information Technology Act, and the Foreigners Act of 1960. The Superintendent of Police, Neeraj Jadaun, confirmed the arrests and emphasized the police department’s commitment to fighting organized cybercrime.
According to the court’s findings, the trio had forged documents and manipulated digital communication channels to deceive the victim under the false pretense of an international parcel delivery.
Wider Crackdown on Cyber Fraud Involving Nigerian Nationals
This case is not an isolated incident. It forms part of a broader trend involving Nigerian nationals being implicated in various fraud and cybercrime activities in India. Just days before this conviction, PUNCH Metro reported that four more Nigerians—Pepe Morepeyi, Gabriel Onyeka, Bamba Fanta, and Abigail Adonis—were arrested in separate operations across India.
These individuals are now facing jail time and possible deportation for offenses including online fraud and drug trafficking. Law enforcement agencies in India have intensified surveillance and enforcement operations targeting foreign nationals involved in digital and financial crimes.
The conviction of Chigaogejimu, Emeka, and Chukwudi highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud, especially those that prey on vulnerable individuals using emotional manipulation and fake identities. With the increased use of social media, messaging apps, and online platforms, fraudsters are constantly devising sophisticated methods to scam unsuspecting victims.
Experts urge the public to remain vigilant, especially when engaging with unknown contacts online. Authorities recommend verifying the identities of individuals claiming to be from abroad, particularly when money or sensitive information is involved.
India’s judiciary and law enforcement continue to take a firm stance against international fraud syndicates. The conviction of these three Nigerians serves as a deterrent to others who may consider using India as a base for their illicit operations. By coordinating efforts across police departments, cybercrime units, and international agencies, India is making progress in dismantling organized fraud networks.
For victims like Ruchi Singh, while justice may bring some closure, the emotional and financial scars left by such scams underscore the real-world consequences of online fraud. As cybercrime continues to evolve, the need for public awareness, digital literacy, and stringent law enforcement becomes ever more critical.
Source- Punch
