Six Nigerians accused of defrauding more than 100 US victims through online romance schemes have been extradited from South Africa to face charges in the United States.
The suspects were handed over to officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Secret Service at Cape Town International Airport on Friday, September 11, 2026.
The transfer was coordinated by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, in conjunction with INTERPOL South Africa.
US authorities accuse the men of wire fraud and money laundering, alleging they used false identities and online relationships to win victims’ trust and obtain money. South African authorities said the alleged losses exceeded R100 million.
The suspects were arrested in South Africa in 2021 following a joint investigation involving authorities from both countries.
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On April 7, 2026, the Western Cape High Court dismissed appeals by six of the suspects against their extradition. The proceedings involved a wider group of eight Nigerians, with the court recording alleged losses of at least $17 million.
US authorities have also alleged that the suspects were linked to the Neo Black Movement of Africa, commonly known as Black Axe. The allegation has not been proved in court.
The case follows the December 2024 extradition of Nigerian national Enorense Izevbigie from South Africa to the US. He was accused of involvement in romance fraud, advance-fee scams and money laundering allegedly committed between 2011 and 2021.
South African authorities said the latest extradition demonstrates continued international cooperation against organized financial crime.
The six suspects will now face the US judicial process and remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.