Babatunde Ayeni, a Nigerian internet fraudster, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay approximately $20 million in restitution to his victims, according to court filings from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama.
Ayeni, who pleaded guilty to the fraud charge, received the 120-month sentence from Judge Terry Moorer on October 31.
The restitution sum, totaling $19,599,969, is intended to compensate the individuals and entities he defrauded. Despite this significant penalty, the court waived interest on the restitution, citing Ayeni’s inability to pay additional amounts.
The scheme, which Ayeni admitted to ending in April 2019, also implicated co-conspirators Feyisayo Oyindola Oginsanwo and Yusuf Olasunkanmi Lasisi. All three have been held accountable for the restitution payments.
Following his imprisonment, Ayeni’s future in the United States remains uncertain. Immigration authorities will determine whether he will be deported to Nigeria or subjected to three years of supervised release under strict conditions.
Ayeni’s conviction is part of a growing list of Nigerian nationals prosecuted for internet fraud in the United States.
High-profile cases have included Ramon Abbas, also known as “Hushpuppi,” and Olalekan Ponle, alias “Mr. Woodberry.”
Abidemi Rufai, a former aide to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, was also convicted but released last month.
This case underscores ongoing international efforts to combat cybercrime and ensure justice for victims.