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Mercy Abire and her coconspirators could face a maximum of 20 years imprisonment after pleading guilty to 'Yahoo Yahoo'.
Nigerian long jumper Mercy Abire, based in the USA, has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering - in local parlance 'Yahoo Yahoo'.
The 28-year-old and two other athletes, including reigning African Games men's 100m champion Raymond Ekevwo and former teen sensation Aniekeme Etimwere were indicted over wire and mail fraud in the US as her coconspirators.
In a statement by the US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Mississippi, Abire transferred over $100,000.00 to coconspirators through her US bank account between November 2018 and April 2019.
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According to the court documents and information presented between 2018 and 2022, Abire and her coconspirators used online romance scams, online charity scams, and other types of fraud to defraud victims of their money.
"The money received as a result of these scams was then transferred between the conspirators, and ultimately, much of the money was transferred overseas.
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10:27 - 31.07.2023
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Edose Ibadin hit two birds with a stone by qualifying for the World Championships in Budapest and Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
"Between November 2018 and April of 2019, Abire herself transferred over $100,000.00 to coconspirators through her US bank account," read the documents.
The long jumper is expected to be sentenced on August 30, with the maximum jail term being 20 years.
According to reports, a federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
"Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Eichner originally prosecuted the case, and it is currently being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner," reports revealed.
PulseSports reported when the news broke out that five Nigerian athletes were on the verge of facing 20 years maximum imprisonment for internet fraud.
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12:47 - 02.08.2023
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Who is Mercy Abire-Matanmi
She initially gained a college scholarship to study at Oral Roberts University before transferring to Louisiana State University (LSU), where she was a multiple NCAA All-American in the long jump event.
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Abire was so talented as a youth and junior athlete that she was rated next to Ese Brume as the Nigeria’s next big name in the women's long jump. She holds a 6.52m lifetime best in the event achieved two years ago at the Nigerian Championships.
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22:57 - 30.07.2023
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: 3 times 'Mommy Rocket' wowed with her wigs at the World Championships
Track legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is one of the most fashionable female athletes, especially when it comes to her hair game. Here are 3 of her best looks at the World Championships.
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