Two Nigerians Charged in Business Email Compromise (BEC) Schemes in Houston

Edikan Adiakpan, a 33-year-old Houston-based Nigerian entrepreneur and co-founder of the luxury lifestyle brand Akama Lifestyle, has been arrested and indicted by a federal grand jury on June 11, 2025, for his alleged involvement in a multimillion-dollar business email compromise (BEC) and money laundering scheme spanning at least eight U.S. states.

The indictment charges him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and illegal money transmission.

Authorities allege that Adiakpan and co-conspirators sent spoofed emails to deceive companies—including a California research group developing treatments for U.S. veterans—into redirecting payments to bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters.

The illicit funds were then laundered through multiple accounts and converted into cashier’s checks, which Adiakpan reportedly cashed while keeping a commission.

If convicted, Adiakpan faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud and money laundering charges, and up to five years for illegal money transmission, with each count carrying a potential $250,000 fine.

Another Nigerian national, Ayobami Omoniyi, 26, has also been charged in connection with the scheme and is awaiting sentencing. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Christine Lu, with investigations led by the FBI Houston Division and IRS Criminal Investigation unit.

Prior to his arrest, Adiakpan was known for his luxury concierge business catering to high-net-worth clients and had been featured in media for his philanthropic efforts.

The fraud case mirrors that of Hushpuppi as both appear to have maintained a high-profile luxury image. Adiakpan co-founded a luxury concierge brand (Akama Lifestyle), while Hushpuppi was known for flaunting designer fashion, cars, and private jets on Instagram.

The case of Edikan Adiakpan bears some notable similarities to that of Ramon “Hushpuppi” Abbas, but also key differences in scale, profile, and international scope.

Adiakpan’s case, though serious, appears more localized and less public until his recent indictment. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.