Yahoo Boys Moses Hezekiah, Destiny Oghentega charged with wire fraud in U.S.
Three Yahoo Boys, William Elvis, Moses Kolawole Hezekiah, and Destiny Okobeni Oghentega, have been charged with romance and wire fraud.
The trio were charged in the federal court in Rhode Island on Wednesday for their roles in an alleged online romance and wire fraud scheme, a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday said.
William Elvis, 35, Moses Kolawole Hezekiah, 34, and Destiny Okobeni Oghentega, 30, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to court documents, beginning in or around early 2021, Messrs Elvis, Hezekiah, Oghentega, and others engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals through online impersonation and romance-based scams.
The trio contacted their victims, including an elderly Rhode Island resident, portraying themselves as professionals working overseas and, over time, established relationships with them and then swindled them.
“The conspirators then made repeated requests for money under false pretences, including claims of financial hardship, legal issues, or medical emergencies.
“Victims were directed to send funds through gift cards, Bitcoin transactions, and other means, including transfers to accounts controlled by participants in the scheme. Victims sent substantial sums of money over the course of the scheme,” the U.S. Justice Department said.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation determined that the identities used were misappropriated and used without the individuals’ knowledge, and that communications and financial activity were traced to the defendants in Nigeria, according to the statement.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Rights
Lagos urges improved child adoption, fostering services
Mr Ogunlende described adoption, guardianship and fostering as pathways that provide vulnerable children with hope and stability.
Economy
First Lady donates N2 billion to promote Akwete weaving in Abia
She said the gesture was to support the development of the Akwete production site, with a view to creating more jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
Economy
Kano revenue chief pledges transparency, accountability
He described his appointment as a collective responsibility and called on management and staff to work together to achieve the agency’s objectives.
NationWide
Outgoing British High Commissioner praises Tinubu’s economic reforms
Mr Montgomery said although the reforms might have caused short-term pain for ordinary people, they were fundamental to restoring vitality to the economy. Â
World
Cyclospora Outbreak: No product tested positive, Taylor Farms says
Taylor Farms insisted none of its branded salads or kits was associated with the outbreak.
Economy
Bauchi govt begins 2026 fertiliser sale, announces 50% subsidy
Governor Bala Mohammed said the interventions formed part of a broader strategy to transform agriculture from subsistence to commercial production.
