The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has found Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley guilty of defrauding US lawyer Nicole Kierulff Sayers of $205,238 through a fabricated Federal Government contract, sentencing him to seven years in prison with no option of a fine.
What charges were laid against Kingsley?
Kingsley was convicted on two counts of false pretence: possession of a document containing false pretence and obtaining money under false pretence linked to an alleged contract with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. The first count involved a forged notice of intent to award a contract in his name, while the second related to his claim that he needed funds to finance the supposed government project.
How did the scam unfold?
Sayers, an Oregon‑based attorney, testified that she first contacted Kingsley on her birthday via Facebook, where he claimed membership in the same spiritual organisation. Their online interaction turned romantic, prompting her to trust his assertions about the contract. Initially, Kingsley asked for $15,000, promising repayment within 45 days. Sayers transferred the amount through a payment app and later sent roughly $40,000 before traveling to Nigeria.
What happened after she arrived in Abuja?
Sayers arrived in March 2022 and spent two weeks at Kingsley’s rented flat in Sun City, continuing the relationship in hopes of recovering her money. Over the next year, Kingsley allegedly demanded additional sums for medical emergencies, surgeries, malaria treatment, and other expenses tied to the fictitious contract. Sayers estimated she made more than 125 transactions, moving well over $200,000.
What false documents did Kingsley present?
According to Sayers, Kingsley showed her a document he said proved an attempted $10,000 transfer that the bank had blocked because the funds were linked to misappropriated government money. He also asked for money to cover bail and alleged bribes related to a non‑existent criminal case.
What was the court’s ruling?
Justice U.P. Kekemeke of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, delivered the judgment on Thursday, 29 October 2026, after prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court ordered Kingsley to serve the seven‑year term concurrently at Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and to repay the full $205,238 to Sayers. EFCC counsel Fatsuma Muhammad urged the bench to impose the maximum penalty, and Justice Kekemeke complied, rejecting any fine alternative.
What does this case illustrate?
The verdict underscores the Nigerian judiciary’s resolve to combat cross‑border fraud and serves as a warning to individuals who exploit online platforms for financial scams, especially those involving counterfeit government contracts.