Nigerian Man and Family Face Trial for Allegedly Defrauding American Woman of $370,000

The ongoing trial of Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley saw a significant development as the third Prosecution Witness (PW3) testified before Justice U.P. Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. The witness, an American named Nicole Kierulff Sayers, recounted how Kingsley and his family allegedly conspired to defraud her of $370,000.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Kingsley on charges of stealing, obtaining by false pretence, and criminal possession of fake documents. The charges stem from an alleged fraudulent scheme that involved convincing Sayers to invest in a non-existent contract with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Charges Against Kingsley

One of the charges against Kingsley states: “That you, Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley, sometime in 2021 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with intent to defraud obtained the total sum of Three Hundred and Seventy Thousand United States Dollars ($370,000) from Nicole Kierulff Sayers under the false pretence of financing a contract with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing with Contract No: RC/FGN/0275AN/20, a claim which you knew to be false. This constitutes an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Testimony of Nicole Kierulff Sayers

Sayers, a lawyer from Oregon, USA, was led in evidence by EFCC counsel Fatsuma Muhammad. She identified Kingsley as the man who first contacted her on Facebook, leading to a romantic relationship. According to Sayers, Kingsley claimed to be a member of the same spiritual organization and initiated conversations that quickly escalated into a romantic relationship.

“I know the defendant; he messaged me on Facebook on my birthday, claiming to be from the same spiritual organization. We engaged in romantic discussions which eventually led to a relationship,” Sayers testified.

The Fraudulent Scheme

Sayers detailed how Kingsley asked her for money to secure a supposed contract with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, claiming that his life was in danger if he did not provide the funds. Initially, Kingsley requested $15,000, promising to repay her within 45 days.

“Before we met in person, he asked me for money, claiming it was for a contract with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and that some men were threatening his life. I was in a vulnerable state and had developed an emotional connection with him, so I believed him and transferred the money,” Sayers recounted.

Meeting Kingsley’s Family

After transferring the money, Sayers was introduced to Kingsley’s family via FaceTime. She described a virtual meeting that included Kingsley’s parents, his siblings Doris Nwachi and Kenneth Nwachi, his sister-in-law Loveline, his father Chizom, his mother Victoria, and his alleged daughter, Princess.

“I transferred the money using a money transfer app. Shortly after, he invited me to join a FaceTime video call with his family. This included his parents, his sister Doris, his brother Kenneth, his sister-in-law Loveline, his father Chizom, his mother Victoria, and his daughter Princess,” Sayers said.

Conclusion

The testimony provided by Sayers highlights the depth of the alleged conspiracy involving Kingsley and his family. The trial continues as the court seeks to determine the extent of their involvement and the veracity of the charges brought against them by the EFCC.

Excerpt: From EFCC (X account)