The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the 121-month prison sentence for Fatai Okunola, who participated in a Nigerian-based conspiracy to defraud vulnerable individuals online. The court's decision, filed Jan. 6, 2026, rejected Okunola's arguments that his sentence was both procedurally and substantively unreasonable.

Okunola pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, making a false statement related to naturalization in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1015(a), and money laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957. The charges stemmed from his role in coordinating the disbursement of fraudulent funds obtained through the online scheme.

According to court documents, the conspiracy began around 2015 and involved Okunola working with uncharged co-conspirators in a Nigerian-based operation. The scheme focused on identifying vulnerable individuals online and tricking them into sending money through various internet-based methods. As the recipient of these fraudulent funds, Okunola played a central role in the money laundering operation.

The district court imposed the 121-month sentence after considering the applicable sentencing guidelines and relevant factors under 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). On appeal, Okunola argued that the sentence was procedurally flawed and substantively excessive given his role and circumstances.

The Sixth Circuit panel found no error in the district court's sentencing procedure and determined that the 121-month term was reasonable in light of the seriousness of the offense, the need for deterrence, and the defendant's criminal history. The appellate court noted that the sentence fell within the advisory guidelines range and was supported by the record.