Nigerian Man Sentenced to Over 3 Years in U.S. Prison for $140,000 Tax Refund Fraud

Onomen Uduebor, a 39-year-old Nigerian man also known as Onomen Onohi, has been sentenced to three years and four months in a U.S. federal prison for his role in a $140,000 tax refund fraud scheme.

Uduebor, who was arrested in the UK in September 2023 and extradited to the U.S. in March 2025, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

The fraud involved stealing income tax data to file over 300 bogus tax returns, claiming more than $1 million in refunds. Uduebor admitted filing 150 of these false returns and tracking the payments, which were deposited into accounts set up under victims’ names. While the IRS paid out about $140,000, Uduebor received $10,000 and was ordered to forfeit this amount and pay $122,720 in restitution.

U.S. District Judge James L. Robart described Uduebor’s role as “substantial,” emphasizing that he “ought to have known better.” Acting U.S. Attorney Miller noted the scheme caused significant harm to companies, employees, and the IRS, with victims facing identity theft and tax complications.

In court, Uduebor apologized, citing desperation to succeed in his music career as a factor, though he acknowledged it was no excuse.

Following his sentence, Uduebor is expected to be deported to Nigeria.