France-Based Nigerian Jailed in U.S. for $8m Disaster Relief Fraud

A United States court has sentenced a France-based Nigerian, Newton Ofioritse Jemide, to three years and five months in prison for his role in an $8 million disaster fraud scheme targeting federal relief funds.

The 47-year-old was sentenced on Tuesday, July 1, by U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow following his extradition from France. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ), Jemide was part of a conspiracy that defrauded the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by fraudulently obtaining disaster relief funds meant for victims of wildfires between 2016 and 2017.

Jemide and his accomplices reportedly stole the identities of American citizens to open Green Dot debit card accounts. These accounts were then used to apply for FEMA assistance. Each successful claim resulted in a $500 payout, eventually totaling over $8 million in fraudulent disbursements.

The DOJ explained that Jemide coordinated the fraud scheme from abroad, directing U.S.-based co-conspirators to purchase and register the debit cards using stolen identities. He also instructed them on how and when to withdraw the funds or convert them into money orders, often through shell companies or third parties to conceal the transactions.

In addition to the prison sentence, Jemide will serve three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $520,431 in restitution and forfeit $311,036 to the U.S. government.

“Jemide played a central role in organizing and managing the operation,” the DOJ stated. “This case underscores our commitment to protecting disaster relief funds intended for legitimate victims.”

Jemide pleaded guilty to the charges prior to sentencing.