NIGERIAN MAN FACES 20 YEARS IN US PRISON OVER WIRE FRAUD CHARGES
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By; Ganiyat Sunmola
A Nigerian man has been indicted by a United States federal grand jury over allegations that he conspired to embezzle funds from a casino owned by a Native American tribe in South Dakota.
The indictment, announced Wednesday by the US Department of Justice, named Kenneth Godwin on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and unauthorised access to a protected computer in furtherance of fraud.
According to the DOJ, Godwin, who is believed to be residing in Nigeria, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, along with a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He may also be ordered to pay restitution.
Authorities said the alleged conspiracy took place between May 2023 and March 2026, targeting funds from the Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, which is owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
US officials stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation would pursue offenders regardless of their location.
FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dotson described the case as a business email compromise scheme that caused significant financial losses to the tribal-owned business.
He added that the FBI continues to work with partners to dismantle fraud networks targeting businesses and communities across the United States.
The DOJ emphasized that the charges are allegations, and Godwin is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The investigation is being led by the FBI, with prosecution handled by Assistant US Attorney Ben Patterson.
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