The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, the newly elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) in Anambra State, Nigeria, on charges related to an alleged $3.3 million romance scam. Nwadialo, who was detained at an airport in Texas, USA, is facing a 14-count charge, which could result in a 20-year prison sentence if he is found guilty.

Allegations and Indictment Details

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Nwadialo allegedly operated under multiple aliases, particularly “Giovanni,” and used several dating websites like Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café to find victims. Posing as a military officer, he reportedly claimed to be deployed overseas, using this cover to avoid meeting his victims in person. Through fabricated stories and urgent requests, he persuaded victims to send him large sums of money.

In one instance from 2020, Nwadialo told a victim he faced a $150,000 fine for breaching military protocol. The victim reportedly transferred $2.4 million to him over time. Another case involved a 2019 request for help transferring funds related to his “father’s death,” leading a victim to send $330,000. Nwadialo allegedly claimed he would invest funds on behalf of his victims, only to siphon the money into accounts he controlled.

Overview of the Charges

The 14-count indictment primarily consists of wire fraud charges, detailing Nwadialo’s communications with his victims and the wire transfers he orchestrated. Each count underscores the FBI’s accusations that he manipulated victims by constructing elaborate personal crises to solicit financial support.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Currently, Nwadialo is being held in the U.S. and will be transferred to the Western District of Washington, where he faces formal arraignment. The FBI’s actions signal ongoing enforcement efforts against international scams that prey on vulnerable individuals through online romance and relationship fraud.

This case serves as a cautionary reminder of the risks associated with online interactions, as law enforcement agencies globally work to combat the rise in digital fraud.