An Abuja court has sentenced a Nigerian man, Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley, to seven years in prison for defrauding an American lawyer, Nicole Kierulff Sayers, of $205,238, equivalent to approximately ₦276 million.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, delivered the judgment on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Justice U.P. Kekemeke also ordered Kingsley to refund the full amount to the American lawyer.
The conviction followed a prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations involving a fraudulent government contract.
How They Met on Facebook
During the trial, Sayers, an American lawyer based in Oregon, United States, told the court that Kingsley first contacted her through Facebook on her birthday.
She explained that he introduced himself as a member of the same spiritual organisation as her.
Their conversations reportedly developed into a romantic relationship, which made her trust him and believe his subsequent claims.
How He Allegedly Obtained the Money
According to her testimony, Kingsley later claimed that he was pursuing a contract with Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and needed financial assistance to facilitate the deal.
He reportedly told her that some individuals were threatening his life because he had not provided the money required for the purported contract.
Sayers said he initially requested $15,000 and promised to repay it within 45 days.
She subsequently made more than 125 financial transactions over approximately 12 months, transferring a total of $205,238.
American Lawyer Travelled to Nigeria
The court heard that Sayers travelled to Abuja in March 2022 after transferring approximately $40,000 to Kingsley.
She reportedly spent two weeks with him at his rented residence in Sun City, Abuja.
During her testimony, she also described additional requests for money allegedly linked to medical emergencies, surgeries, malaria treatment and expenses connected to the purported government contract.
Court Orders Seven-Year Jail Term
Kingsley was convicted on two counts involving possession of a document containing false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence.
Justice Kekemeke sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment on each count without an option of fine.
However, the sentences are to run concurrently at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, meaning the effective prison term is seven years.
The court also ordered him to restitute the full $205,238 to Sayers.
EFCC Secures Conviction
The EFCC said the case involved a purported contract with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
One of the charges concerned a fake notice of intent to award a contract allegedly issued in Kingsley's name by the ministry.
The second count involved obtaining money from Sayers under the false pretence that the funds were needed to finance the government contract.
The case highlights the financial risks associated with online relationships and requests for money based on unverified promises.
Daily Gist & Guide will continue to bring readers important developments from Nigeria and around the world.
Comments