In recent years, several high-profile Nigerians have found themselves behind bars. The reason for this is mostly about money-related crimes.
Even abroad, from politicians and traditional rulers to businesspeople and influencers, these cases have made headlines both in Nigeria and internationally.
Here’s a list of some prominent Nigerians in prisons abroad. 
Fresh Cases Making Headlines
1. Dr Nkechy Ekere Ezeh
Just yesterday, on May 13, 2026, Dr Nkechy Ezeh, a respected Nigerian-born professor and former nonprofit boss in the United States, was sentenced to 70 months (nearly 6 years) in federal prison.
She ran a childcare organisation in Michigan that helped poor children. Unfortunately, she was found guilty of taking over $1.4 million meant for the kids and staff. Maybe she lost passion for childcare because the money went on luxury trips, family payments, and personal lifestyle.
Apart from serving time, she must also pay back the full amount plus extra to the tax office. Ezeh was taken into custody right after the court ruling.
2. Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede
The Apetu of Ipetumodu, a traditional king from Osun State, is another recent case.
In August 2025, he received a 56-month (about 4 years 8 months) prison sentence in the US. He pleaded guilty to a scheme that collected over $4.2 million in COVID relief funds through fake businesses.
As a result, he has lost his throne back home. He is also required to pay back millions in restitution and has forfeited his house in Ohio.
Other Prominent Nigerians in Prisons Abroad
3. Ike Ekweremadu
The former Deputy Senate President of Nigeria is serving time in a UK prison.
In 2023, he was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison for organ trafficking. It was a case involving plans to get a kidney for his daughter. His appeals to serve the sentence in Nigeria have been turned down so far.
4. Hushpuppi (Ramon Abbas)
Hushpuppi, the flashy Instagram personality, remains one of the most talked-about on this list.
In 2022, a US court gave him 11 years for money laundering linked to big online scams. He is still serving his time in an American prison, expected to be released around 2029.
Past Cases of Prominent Nigerians in Prisons Abroad
5. James Ibori
In 2012, James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State, pleaded guilty to ten counts of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. He was sentenced to thirteen years but served only four.
Following his release in 2016, Ibori was deported back to Nigeria. In 2021, however, a British court ordered Ibori to pay around £100 million to be returned to the Nigerian government.
6. Abidemi Rufai
Former Special Assistant to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Rufai (also known as Elele Ruffy), was sentenced to 60 months (5 years) in a US prison in September 2022.
He pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for stealing hundreds of thousands in COVID-19 unemployment benefits and other government aid using stolen identities.
He was released early from Fort Dix Prison in New Jersey on November 15, 2024, and now faces deportation to Nigeria.
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7. Akinkunmi Amoo
Amoo is a talented young Nigerian footballer once nicknamed “Nigerian Messi” or “Little Messi”.
He was convicted of sexual assaults involving multiple women, including indecent assault, attempted rape, and rape in a non-intercourse sexual relationship. Amoo was sentenced to one year in prison in Denmark in June 2023.
His appeal was rejected in 2024, and he faced deportation from Denmark plus a six-year entry ban. Despite the conviction, he has since continued his football career, playing in Cyprus and later moving to clubs in China.
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