Nigerian National Indicted on Wire Fraud and Computer Intrusion Charges

Federal prosecutors have charged a Nigerian man with three felony counts related to fraud and computer intrusion. In March 2026, a grand jury in the District of South Dakota indicted Kenneth Godwin for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and unauthorized access to a protected computer in furtherance of fraud. U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons made the announcement on May 6, 2026.

The charges involve one individual and allege violations of federal criminal law that apply to schemes using electronic communications and computer systems. No specific dollar losses or number of victims are identified in the charging document. The case centers on conduct that the statutes define as fraudulent use of wire communications and improper computer access to advance such schemes.

Prior to the indictment, the matter remained in the investigation phase with no public charges filed against Godwin. The grand jury's action in March 2026 formally initiates the prosecution phase. The case now proceeds in U.S. District Court, where the government must meet its burden of proof or resolve the matter through plea.

This step triggers several operational requirements. The defendant will be summoned or arrested to appear for initial proceedings. The court will set a schedule for arraignment, discovery, and any pretrial motions. Federal agencies involved in the investigation will continue to support the prosecution team.

If the defendant resides abroad, the Department of Justice may initiate extradition requests under applicable treaties between the United States and Nigeria.

Conviction under these statutes can lead to prison terms, fines, and restitution payments to any identified victims. The wire fraud statute provides for penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment, with the conspiracy charge carrying the same maximum. The computer fraud provision under section 1030 adds additional penalties when access is used to further fraud.

This indictment represents one case handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of South Dakota. That office maintains responsibility for federal prosecutions across the state and has addressed other matters involving financial fraud and cyber intrusions in its recent caseload.

The Department of Justice lists wire fraud and computer crime among its enforcement priorities for protecting the integrity of electronic commerce and financial systems.