An American named Nicole Kierulff Sayers shared with the FCT High Court in Abuja how she lost $370,000 to a suspected Nigerian internet scammer named Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley.
Sayers, who resides in Oregon, United States, testified as a witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Kingsley’s ongoing trial before Justice Peter Kekemeke on July 3.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, revealed this information in a statement on Friday, stating that Kingsley is facing charges related to theft, obtaining money through deception, and possessing fake documents.
During the trial, Sayers, led by the prosecution counsel Fatsuma Muhammad, identified Kingsley as the person who messaged her on Facebook during her birthday.
She mentioned that they engaged in romantic conversations that eventually led to a relationship. Kingsley asked Sayers for money to secure a contract from the Ministry of Works and Housing, claiming that his life was in danger if he didn’t provide the funds.
Sayers explained that Kingsley promised to repay her $15,000 within 45 days if she helped him. Believing his words, she transferred the money to him and even met his family through a video call. The trial was adjourned until November 7, 2024, for further proceedings.