A Yoruba traditional ruler has been convicted in the United States for his involvement in a large-scale internet fraud scheme valued at $4.2 million. The monarch, who was found guilty of wire fraud and related offenses, claimed that the economic hardships brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic pushed him into committing the crime.
Court documents revealed that the monarch and his accomplices orchestrated an elaborate scheme that defrauded American citizens and businesses through various internet scams, including romance fraud and business email compromise. The proceeds, running into millions of dollars, were reportedly laundered through multiple bank accounts before being traced by U.S. authorities.
During the trial, the monarch expressed remorse and pleaded for leniency, insisting that financial pressures during the pandemic influenced his decision. However, prosecutors maintained that the crime was deliberate, well-planned, and caused severe emotional and financial damage to the victims.
The case has sparked widespread reactions both in Nigeria and abroad, with many expressing disappointment that a custodian of culture and tradition would be linked to such crimes. Critics argue that the conviction not only tarnishes the image of the monarchy but also casts a shadow on the country’s reputation internationally.
Authorities in Nigeria have yet to issue an official statement regarding the conviction, but observers believe the development could reignite conversations about integrity and accountability among traditional institutions.
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