US Charges Five Alleged Black Axe Leaders After Extradition From South Africa

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 18, 2026

Five alleged leaders of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, commonly known as Black Axe, have been extradited from South Africa to the United States to face charges over an alleged decade-long online fraud and money laundering operation.

The five Nigerian nationals were extradited to the US on September 11, 2026, five years after they were arrested in South Africa at the request of US authorities. They are scheduled to appear in federal court in Trenton, New Jersey, to face the charges.

The defendants are Perry Osagiede, 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, 42; and Musa Mudashiru, 38. US prosecutors allege that all five were leaders of Black Axe’s Cape Town Zone in South Africa.

According to a superseding indictment, the defendants and other alleged members of the organisation conducted internet fraud schemes from at least 2011 to 2021, targeting victims in the United States.

The alleged schemes included romance scams and advance-fee fraud. Prosecutors say members used social media, online dating platforms and internet-based telephone numbers to communicate with victims while operating under false identities.

In alleged romance scams, victims were led to believe they were in relationships with people using the aliases. The defendants allegedly then persuaded them to send money or valuables to South Africa, often using fabricated stories about travel, construction work or unexpected emergencies.

Prosecutors also allege that some victims were threatened with the release of sensitive photographs when they hesitated to make payments.

The alleged operation extended beyond romance scams. According to court documents, the defendants and their co-conspirators also allegedly laundered proceeds from business email compromise schemes and used US bank accounts, victim accounts and business entities to move and disguise funds.

Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Clement are charged with wire fraud in addition to the conspiracy charge. Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede and Otughwor also face aggravated identity theft charges.

US Attorney Robert Frazer said the extradition demonstrated that authorities would pursue alleged members of transnational criminal organisations regardless of where they operate.

The FBI and US Secret Service worked with South African authorities and Interpol in the investigation and extradition. South African agencies involved included the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, known as the Hawks, the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority and its Asset Forfeiture Unit.

The wire fraud conspiracy and individual wire fraud charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, whichever is greater.

The aggravated identity theft charges carry a mandatory two-year prison sentence that must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.

The US Department of Justice said the investigation was led by the FBI and Secret Service, with substantial assistance from the South African authorities and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

Source: FSX Business News