The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, has arrested a 21-year-old lady named Atuonah Cynthia Chioma for allegedly defrauding a 50-year-old German national of $220,000. According to the PSFU unit spokesperson, SP Eyitayo Johnson, the suspect pretended to have romantic interest in the victim on Instagram and falsely promised to marry him.

Chioma, who is a 2019 graduate of Economics from Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, claimed to be a model and proprietor of a massage spa called The-Chi-Place. By feigning romantic intentions towards the victim, she gained his trust and goodwill, leading him to visit Nigeria on several occasions with the promise of marrying him and living together permanently.

To further dispel any suspicion, Chioma introduced the victim to her parents in Ikot-Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, who gave their blessings for the union. The victim was convinced to sell his house in Stuttgart, Germany, and transfer the proceeds of the sale, along with his pension and life savings, to Chioma’s domiciliary account in the bank. The funds were intended for purchasing a house in Nigeria and establishing a joint business outfit, as indicated in the bank transfer narration.

During the interview, Chioma admitted to receiving $220,000 from the victim, with some of the money being used to purchase a 2-bedroom terrace apartment in Zara Estate, Ikota Villa, Lekki Phase II. The rest of the funds were used to support her mother’s business and pay for her father’s medical bills.

The PSFU is making efforts to recover the remaining proceeds of the crime, and the unit is committed to investigating and prosecuting fraudsters who damage the country’s image. After the investigation is concluded, Chioma will be charged to court.