A United States federal court has sentenced Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, to five years in prison for masterminding a long-running online romance fraud scheme that defrauded victims of more than $3.5 million.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/yemi.jpg")
Nwadialo, 42, was sentenced by US District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright in Tacoma, Washington, according to a statement released by the United States Department of Justice.
The court found that Nwadialo used fake online identities to deceive victims into believing they were in romantic relationships with him before persuading them to send money under false pretences.
Delivering judgment, Judge Cartwright described the fraud as “devastating,” noting that the victims suffered not only financial losses but also deep emotional trauma, including depression, shame and isolation from family members.
Prosecutors said Nwadialo and his associates targeted emotionally vulnerable persons, including people dealing with heartbreak, divorce or the death of loved ones.
First Assistant US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said the convict exploited people who were searching for companionship and trust.
According to prosecutors, Nwadialo operated fake profiles on dating platforms including Match, Zoosk and Christian Café, where he often posed as a military officer identified as “Giovanni.”
Using the fake identities, he allegedly manipulated victims into sending money for fabricated reasons, including supposed military penalties, funeral expenses, emergencies and investment opportunities.
Many of the victims were said to be elderly, widowed or divorced persons who believed they were in genuine romantic relationships.
One victim reportedly maintained an online relationship with the fake identity for three years before the Federal Bureau of Investigation later informed the person that the relationship was fraudulent.
Another victim, described as a widow who was seeking companionship after her husband’s death, allegedly lost her home and life savings after liquidating assets to send money to the fraudster.
Federal authorities said the scheme lasted for more than 15 years and caused severe financial and emotional damage to several victims.
FBI Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Harrington said Nwadialo exploited vulnerable people seeking companionship online and deceived them into giving up their life savings.
Nwadialo was arrested in 2024 at an airport in Texas shortly after arriving in the United States.
He was later indicted on 14 counts of wire fraud.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys Sok Tea Jiang and David T. Martin.
The sentencing marks the conclusion of a case US authorities described as a prolonged romance fraud operation that preyed on trust, loneliness and emotional vulnerability.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Bridging Theory And Courtroom Practice” — Hagler Sunny Okorie, Nathaniel Ngozi Ikeocha Unveil ‘Functional’ Tort Law Book For Nigerian Legal System
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
As an added bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE ebook titled: “How to use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion.”
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACiarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
