Joint investigation leads to the arrest of Nigerian graduate student

A Central Michigan University graduate student is facing federal wire fraud charges for his alleged involvement in an internet scam.

On April 10, a joint investigation between the U.S. Secret Service and the Michigan State Police Mount Pleasant Post led to the arrest of Nnamdi Ezeli, a 30-year-old Nigerian native studying at CMU.

Ezeli was arrested in Union Township after being investigated for his involvement in an internet fraud scheme. A press release from the Michigan State Police states Ezeli was arrested for violation of US Code 18USC 1343, Wire Fraud. The maximum penalty carries a fine of not more than $1 million and confinement not to exceed 30 years in federal prison or both.

Ezeli was allegedly posting items for sale on Craigslist, though he did not have the items in his possession.

Payment was sent to Ezeli, but victims of the scheme did not receive their items. The majority of the victims identified did not live in Michigan, and no local victims were identified. Many of the victims were from across the country and Canada.

Observant local business personnel first reported suspicious activity, spurring the investigation.

Ezeli went before a U.S. magistrate judge in federal court in Bay City on Thursday. He is being held pending further investigation and judicial action.

The Central Michigan University Police Department assisted with the investigation. At this time there is no further information and the investigation remains ongoing.

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