Obinwanne Okeke, the Abuja-based Nigerian businessman who was arrested on August 6 in the U.S. and slammed with two counts of computer and wire fraud has been indicted for $11 million fraud.
The indictment which is the initial process before the commencement of his trial was backed by the investigation of the U.S. Department of Justice conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
If found guilty of the charges, it was recommended that he forfeits at least $11 million in cash and asset. The emerald cut engagement ring found on him when he was arrested, was also added to the list of items to be forfeited.
The recommendation came after the conclusion of investigation while he was still in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The grand jury set up to look into the investigation, returned with an indictment of Mr Okeke for the $11 million fraud on September 9.
The Nigerian businessman listed among Forbes 100 Most Influential Young Africans in 2018, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. It is expected that he will enter a plea deal during the commencement of his trial on September 16.
