The fraud scheme involved over 300 fake tax refund claims using stolen identities.
A 39-year-old Nigerian musician, Onomen Uduebor, also known as Onomen Onohi, has been sentenced in Seattle to 40 months in federal prison for his role in a $140,000 tax refund fraud scheme. He was extradited from the United Kingdom and pleaded guilty in April to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He is expected to face deportation after serving his sentence.
The judge noted that Uduebor played a “substantial role” in the scam, which involved filing over 300 fraudulent tax refund claims using stolen identities. Uduebor admitted to submitting more than 150 false returns and personally profited about $10,000. He was also ordered to pay $122,720 in restitution.
Prosecutors emphasized the psychological and financial damage inflicted on victims.
Addressing the court, Uduebor said, “I have read the victim impact statements and I know an apology is not enough. I was desperate to succeed in my music career. It is not an excuse, but it is the truth.”