A U.S. District Court has handed down a 10-year sentence to Nigerian businessman Babatunde Ayeni, also known as Tunde Ayeni, for his involvement in a large-scale internet fraud operation that defrauded individuals and organizations of nearly $20 million. The court’s decision comes after Ayeni pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, marking the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle that has drawn significant attention, both in Nigeria and internationally.
Ayeni, a well-known figure in internet fraud circles, was sentenced to 120 months in prison by Judge Terry Moorer in the Southern District of Alabama. The sentence was accompanied by a directive for Ayeni to pay $19,599,969 in restitution to the victims he swindled. However, the court, acknowledging Ayeni’s financial incapacity, waived any interest on the restitution amount.
Although Ayeni ceased his fraudulent activities in 2019, the court proceedings have now come to a close, marking the end of his illegal operations. His arrest and subsequent conviction add to the growing list of Nigerian fraudsters who have faced legal repercussions abroad, notably in the United States.
A Trail of Deceit: Ayeni’s Path to Conviction
Ayeni’s journey to this moment started in 2019 when the U.S. authorities first caught wind of his extensive internet fraud activities. Using sophisticated methods, Ayeni and his co-conspirators—Feyisayo Oyindola Oginsanwo and Yusuf Olasunkanmi Lasisi—were able to exploit unsuspecting victims through various online scams, including romance fraud and business email compromise schemes.
The scams were not only widespread but also highly damaging, targeting individuals and businesses both in the U.S. and overseas. By the time authorities were able to track Ayeni down, the fraud had caused millions in losses, with the U.S. District Court noting that victims were financially devastated by the scheme.
During the trial, Ayeni admitted his role in the crimes, expressing remorse for his actions. However, the court highlighted the extent of the damage caused by Ayeni’s criminal activities, stressing the need for a significant sentence to serve as a deterrent.
“I am truly sorry for the pain I’ve caused to my victims,” Ayeni stated during his sentencing hearing. “I accept full responsibility for my actions, and I deeply regret the harm I’ve done to others.”
Despite his remorse, the judge emphasized that the severity of Ayeni’s crimes could not be overlooked. “This kind of fraud has far-reaching consequences, and we must send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated,” Judge Moorer said.
Restitution Order and Deportation Debate
In addition to his prison sentence, Ayeni was ordered to pay restitution to his victims, though the court recognized that his financial situation rendered it unlikely he could immediately fulfill the full restitution. As a result, the court waived the interest on the amount, though the restitution was still a central aspect of the ruling.
This case has drawn attention not just for the scale of the fraud, but also for the growing trend of Nigerians involved in fraudulent activities being prosecuted in the United States. Ayeni’s conviction follows high-profile cases of other Nigerian fraudsters, such as Hushpuppi, Woodberry, and Bola Bobo Chicago, who have all faced similar charges.
The matter of Ayeni’s deportation is still pending, with U.S. immigration authorities set to decide whether he will be immediately deported to Nigeria after serving his sentence. Alternatively, Ayeni could be granted supervised release in the U.S. for up to three years, under strict conditions.
“We are committed to ensuring that individuals like Mr. Ayeni, who engage in harmful and deceptive practices, are held accountable, regardless of where they come from,” said a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice.
A Rising Trend of Nigerian Fraud Cases in the U.S.
The sentencing of Tunde Ayeni is the latest chapter in a troubling trend of Nigerian nationals being convicted of internet fraud in U.S. courts. Over the past few years, Nigerian fraudsters have been involved in some of the largest and most sophisticated scams, often exploiting vulnerabilities in global online systems.
One of the most notable cases was that of Ramon Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi, who was arrested in Dubai and extradited to the United States for his role in an international cybercrime syndicate. Hushpuppi’s conviction was a wake-up call to Nigerian authorities and citizens alike, drawing attention to the need for stronger measures to combat cybercrime in the country.
Ayeni’s conviction serves as a reminder of the risks posed by internet fraudsters and the importance of global cooperation in tackling such crimes. U.S. authorities, working with Nigerian law enforcement agencies, have been able to dismantle several fraud rings that have victimized individuals and businesses across the globe.
In addition to Ayeni, other Nigerian nationals have faced charges related to internet fraud, including Abidemi Rufai, a former ally of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. Rufai was arrested in 2021 for wire fraud and money laundering, although he was recently released from U.S. custody.
Ayeni’s case raises broader questions about the influence of online fraud on the international reputation of Nigeria. The country has long battled the stigma of being a hub for cybercriminals, and incidents like this only serve to reinforce that image.
However, Ayeni’s conviction also highlights the legal system’s ability to hold individuals accountable, regardless of their nationality. It underscores the need for global cooperation to combat cybercrime and protect individuals from the devastating effects of online scams.
