By Kolawole Ojebisi
Nigerians have begun to express misgivings about the autonomy the federal government granted to the seven hundred and seventy-four (774) Local Governments across the nation.
This is as a newly elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, Franklin Nwadialo, was arrested in Texas, United States, for allegedly running a $3.3 million romance scam, and could potentially be jailed for 20 years if found guilty.
Nwadialo’s alleged fraudulent act was exposed in a statement issued by the US Department of Justice on its website on Tuesday, According to the statement the Nwadialo, who is 40-year-old, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation upon his arrival in Texas.
The DOJ stated that Nwadialo would be transferred to the Western District of Washington for arraignment, adding that he faces a 14-count charge and could face a 20-year sentence if found guilty.
It disclosed that the accused used false images in his profile and defrauded vulnerable women of their hard-earned money.
The statement reads partly : “According to the indictment, Nwadialo used various versions of the name ‘Giovanni’ when he met his victims online on websites such as Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café.
“Nwadialo used false images for his profile and typically told the victims that he was in the military and deployed overseas, so he could not meet them in person. Using these personas, Nwadialo invented many reasons for needing the victims to send him money.
“In one such case in 2020, he claimed he had been fined by the military for revealing his location to the victim. He asked the victim to help him pay the $150,000 fine. In all, that victim was defrauded of at least $2.4 million.”
The United States DOJ also stated that the accused contacted a second victim in 2019 to help move funds from US accounts to accounts controlled by him and his co-conspirators.
The statement added, “In this instance, Nwadialo claimed he needed help moving money in connection with his father’s death. The victim transferred at least $330,000 to accounts controlled by the defendant.
“A third victim was defrauded by Nwadialo when he told her that he was investing money on her behalf.”
According to the statement, the case is being prosecuted by an Assistant United States Attorney, Sok Jiang.
Recall, that the chairman of the Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, had maintained that the anti-graft agency will monitor the financial allocations going to the treasuries of the LGs in the country. Olukoyede had also vowed to ensure any LG boss caught misappropriating funds is made to face the wrath of the law by going to jail.
Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to social media to express their views on Nwadialo’s case. “To find someone of noble character in the Nigerian Political Corridor is by God’s Grace.Look at them.” Nnaemeka Chukwudumeme
Nneka Kele, wrote, “Good for his people 😁 they respect money 💰 to dignity”
“What took him to Us .What is he looking for in US ? governor, senator etc will go US , local government Chairman will also travel to US .let him enjoy there 😀” Igbo Ngozi Prince wrote.
“This is the result of LGA autonomy” Steven Akpan.
“So he enters politics to get immunity as he grows…” James Janet.
“I’m afraid our local government will be badly run and ruined” Segun Jazz said
