Obinwanne Okeke, the 31-year-old Nigerian billionaire and founder of Invictus Group, has been arrested by the FBI for allegedly hacking into a steel company and stealing $12 million. Okeke, a Forbes Under 30 millionaire, faces serious charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and computer fraud, according to reports from local Nigerian media, including The Guardian.
Okeke, who has made a name for himself in real estate development, energy, and construction, allegedly used hacking techniques to steal a significant sum of money from the US-based company. The FBI’s investigation has led to the arrest of the entrepreneur, and the future of his business empire now hangs in the balance as he faces the legal process in the US.
Okeke’s company, Invictus Group, operates in multiple African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. His impressive portfolio and growing influence have made him a prominent figure in the African business landscape. In 2017, Invictus Group received the Africa’s Most Innovative Investment Company of the Year Award at the African Brand Congress, and Okeke himself was nominated for the Young African Business Leader award at the AABLA Awards.
However, these accolades are now overshadowed by the FBI’s investigation. Okeke, who has regularly contributed to Forbes Africa magazine on topics related to entrepreneurship and investment in Africa, now faces significant scrutiny over the alleged fraud.
The case has sparked mixed reactions in Nigeria, with some condemning Okeke’s actions while others believe that the Nigerian security agencies can learn from the FBI’s thorough investigation and swift action. As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on Okeke and whether his legacy as a young business leader will be tainted by these serious allegations.
Okeke remains in custody as the investigation continues, and it is unclear what the future holds for the businessman who once represented the promise of a new generation of African entrepreneurs.