Nigerians are reacting to the news of Obinwanne Okeke popularly known as Invictus Obi, who has just been sentenced to a 10-year jail term by a Virginia Court in the United States for internet fraud.
He was sentenced on Tuesday evening, February 16, after being found guilty of causing approximately $11 million in known losses to his victims between 2015 and 2019.
The fraudster, who was once listed on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30, was arrested in August 2019 by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) on charges of computer and wire fraud.
After months of denying his involvement in the crime, he pleaded guilty to the allegation of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and agreed to cooperate with American authorities last year June.
The defendant who had investments in oil and gas, agriculture, private equity, alternative energy, telecom, and real estate had operated his holdings under the ‘Invictus Group’ and had a presence in three countries including Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia.
The guilty plea helped Mr Okeke, who was initially indicted on two counts of computer and wire fraud, to secure the withdrawal of the second charge that carries lesser sentence and fines.
Many Nigerian on Twitter are pleased with the judgment, with one stating that Invictus Obi deceived people struggling to make it legally with his motivational speeches.
Here are some reactions:
@lollypeezle, “The painful thing about Invictus Obi is that he was going to events giving motivational speeches to people struggling to make it legally while he was still doing illegal deals. Wow. Such boldness.”
@pengmanmodel, “This fraud case with Obinwanne Okeke aka Invictus Obi is perfect example of people doing shady things & using entrepreneurship to cover it up.
It’s sad that a lot of our youths look up to some of these people who aren’t straight with their sources of income.”
@SledgeAma, “We still have many Invictus Obi around us even on this app , so Forbes celebrating him is not shocking to me. Na when dem catch thief we Dey know say dem be thief.”
@EdoEmekhu, “Invictus Obi was listed among Forbes 30 under 30, but today he’s convicted for fraud and the US government wants the court to make him a scapegoat. While you’re choosing mentors and aspiring to be like others, look beyond the surface and don’t let anyone RUSH you!”
@adeyanjudeji, “invictus Obi -the guy Forbes celebrated as young rich entrepreneur sentenced to 10yrs imprisonment in the US for $10m fraud. That’s 1yr per $1m. Don’t be under pressure to make money or impress anyone dear young people.”