Franklin Nwadialo, the newly elected chairperson of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria, has been arrested by the FBI upon his arrival in Texas. The 40-year-old politician faces charges related to an alleged romance scam that defrauded victims of over $3.3 million.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Nwadialo was detained on Saturday at a Texas airport and will be transferred to the Western District of Washington for arraignment. The FBI is handling the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Sok Jiang prosecuting the case.
Details of the Alleged Scam
Court documents outline how Nwadialo allegedly used fake profiles and various aliases, including “Giovanni,” on dating platforms like Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café. Posing as a military officer stationed overseas, he tricked victims into sending money under false pretenses, often claiming urgent financial situations.
One victim, defrauded of around $2.4 million in 2020, was allegedly told by Nwadialo that he had been fined $150,000 by the military for revealing his location. Other instances include claims of needing funds due to his father’s death or his son’s school tuition, leading victims to send large sums, including $330,000 in 2019 and $270,000 for a cryptocurrency “investment.”
Additional Allegations
Nwadialo is facing 14 counts of wire fraud, after an indictment in December 2023. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Arrest and Reactions
The U.S. Department of Justice hailed Nwadialo’s arrest as a significant step, given the difficulty in apprehending overseas suspects in such cases. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman praised the investigators’ efforts, noting the challenges of pursuing international fraudsters.
Political Background
Nwadialo, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was elected in September 2024 alongside 20 other council chairpersons in Anambra. His election was celebrated just a month before his arrest, sparking concerns in Nigeria over fraud allegations involving public officials and the integrity of recent local elections.
