Enorense Izevbigie, a leader of the Neo Black Movement of Africa's Cape Town Zone, also known as "Black Axe," has been extradited to the United States. He appeared in Trenton federal court on charges related to wire fraud and money laundering, according to U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.
Izevbigie, 49, originally from Nigeria, faces two counts of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy covering activities from 2011 to 2021. His initial appearance was before U.S. Magistrate Judge Tonianne J. Bongiovanni in Trenton federal court where he was detained pending trial.
Court documents and statements reveal that Izevbigie led the Cape Town Zone of Black Axe, an organization with headquarters in Benin City, Nigeria that operates globally. From at least 2011 through 2021, Izevbigie and others allegedly conducted internet fraud schemes involving romance scams and advance fee schemes targeting victims primarily in the United States.
Victims were reportedly led to believe they were involved in romantic relationships with individuals using aliases who then requested money or items of value due to fabricated emergencies often involving travel or construction mishaps in South Africa. The conspirators employed social media platforms and online dating sites for their operations.
The indictment alleges that when victims hesitated to send money, conspirators used coercion tactics such as threats to release sensitive photographs. Additionally, they laundered funds through victim bank accounts or by convincing victims to open new financial accounts accessible by the conspirators.
The charges carry significant penalties; each wire fraud charge could result in up to 20 years imprisonment and fines up to $250,000 while the money laundering conspiracy charge carries a similar prison term but a higher fine ceiling based on transaction values.
Izevbigie's arrest occurred alongside six co-defendants in South Africa in 2021; these individuals await extradition to face charges in the United States.
U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited several law enforcement agencies for their roles in this investigation including FBI special agents directed by Acting Special Agent Nelson I. Delgado; the FBI Legal Attaché Office at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria under Legal Attaché John Connell; and U.S. Secret Service agents under Special Agent Aaron Hatley among others.
Acknowledgment was also given to South African authorities such as HAWKS, the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority & Asset Forfeiture Unit for their assistance alongside INTERPOL's support facilitated by Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs which helped secure Izevbigie's extradition.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Priority Transnational Organized Crime investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations posing threats within U.S borders through coordinated multi-agency efforts led by prosecutors using intelligence-driven strategies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard G. Shephard from Trenton’s Criminal Division represents the government on this case where all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt despite current accusations outlined within indictments against them.