Nigerians indicted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations
(FBI) probe have been asked to voluntarily surrender themselves or risk getting
extradited if international treaties are invoked.
77 Nigerians were arrested by the FBI, following an
investigation which uncovered how they conspired with federal and state agents
to dupe unsuspecting American victims of their money.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) in a statement
released by its chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, admitted that an accusation does
not mean guilt while also expressing hope of a fair and speedy trial.
Dabiri-Erewa also revealed that these Nigerians currently
prosecuted by the FBI were linked to cases of massive email fraud and money
laundering.
“The Nigerians in
Diaspora Commission is deeply concerned about the news of the court indictment
of 80 persons, mainly Nigerians, in various parts of the US, being accused in
separate FBI cases of massive email fraud and money laundering.
“Prior to the court indictment of these eighty persons, of
which Valentine Iro and Chukwudi Christogunis Igbokwe are lead suspects,
Obinwanne Okeke had earlier been arrested in Virginia.
“We acknowledge the fact that accusation does not mean
guilt, and we hope that all the accused will be given fair and speedy trial. We
also ask those accused in Nigeria to voluntarily turn themselves in, to
American authorities to clear their names, without which the Nigerian
government should extradite them if relevant international treaties between the
two governments are invoked.
“While such actions ultimately have negative effect on the
image of the country, the Commission however reiterates as it has always done,
that the actions of a few Nigerians involved in criminal activities is not and
can never be what the majority of Nigerians represent. We advise and we
continuously resist any stereotyping of Nigeria and Nigerians generally.
“The Commission will continue to monitor the case closely.”
