Sapphire Egemasi, a Nigerian software developer and self-styled “tech queen,” is currently facing serious legal challenges in the United States. In April 2025, she was arrested in the Bronx, New York, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges related to a multimillion-dollar cyber fraud scheme. Prosecutors allege that Egemasi was part of a syndicate that defrauded several U.S. government institutions by designing spoofed websites to steal login credentials and divert funds into fraudulent accounts. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Prior to her arrest, Egemasi maintained a prominent online presence, portraying herself as a successful tech entrepreneur. She frequently shared images of luxury fashion, high-end gadgets, and international travel on her social media platforms, cultivating an image that inspired many aspiring African tech professionals.