Two Nigerians, Idowu Olugbenga Temetan aka David Cole, 30, and Adetilewa Olamigoke Afolabi Ikuejuyone aka Kuffour Duval, 36, have been jailed in the United State of America for committing various internet scams, says U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

The defendants which reside in Houston had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud as well as three counts of wire fraud.

Reports said U.S. District Judge Sim Lake handed Temetan a 51-month sentence after he also admitted to one count of passport forgery, while Ikuejuyone received a 45-month sentence.

Both defendants were also held jointly and liable to pay $187,422.60 in restitution, Since both of them are not U.S. citizens, they are expected to face deportation proceedings following their sentences.

On Ikuejuyone’s sentencing, the court heard testimony from a relative of one of the victims who testified about the emotional and financial toll the defendant’s criminal actions had taken on their family.

During Temetan’s court hearing, he accepted his mistakes and apologised to the victims for his actions.

Delivering the sentences, the court held that the defendants engaged in a series of actions over an extended length of time to defraud multiple victims.

Reports said from October 2013 until March 2014, Temetan and Ikuejuyone used counterfeit passports to open bank accounts in the greater Houston area.

The passports contained photographs of Temetan and Ikuejuyone but utilised the aliases of David Cole and Kuffour Duval, respectively.

Both Temetan and Ikuejuyone then worked with others to lure victims into sending money into various bank accounts under their sole ownership and control.

Reports said law enforcement agents were able to trace at least $4 million to victims, adding that some them who reside in Houston have also been affected by this scheme.

The conspiracy resulted in the defrauding of one elderly victim of $3 million alone.

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