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Nigerian Man Federally Sentenced for Fraud Violations

Nigerian Man Federally Sentenced for Fraud Violations
Empty courtroom. | Image by Gorodenkoff Photos

A Nigerian man has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for federal fraud violations, according to an announcement made by U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Brit Featherston. 

According to the announcement, 24-year-old Nigerian Sobanke Idris Sunday Adereti pleaded guilty to passport fraud and attempted bank fraud on October 25, 2021. U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle sentenced him to 33 months in federal prison on March 30.

According to court documents, Adereti presented a fake passport and a fraudulently procured certified check while trying to open a bank account in Flower Mound, Texas, on March 21.

The check belonged to a fraud victim who had been duped into sending money to Adereti, operating under the alias “Robinson Elijah.” Adereti acted as a money mule to cash the check.

Upon his arrest, authorities found bank statements and multiple passports in other names in Adereti’s possession.

Authorities also determined that Adereti was connected to scams related to government program fraud and business email compromise fraud.

“Scams to steal money are around every corner,” U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston said in a statement. “Thanks to the keen eye of bank officials, Adereti was apprehended. Unfortunately, many of these crimes target our vulnerable elder population. It is up to all of us to share this awareness and look out for our greatest generation.”

Following his arrest, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Adereti with federal violations on April 7, 2021.

During investigations, authorities determined that Adereti was the son of a traditional Nigerian ruler and entered the country on a visitor’s visa in 2018. His visa has since expired.

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