Woman Arraigned in Borno Over Alleged N6.8m Romance Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Catherine Ijeoma Ugwu before Justice Aisha Kumaliya of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, over allegations of a N6.8 million fraud.

Ugwu was charged on Monday, March 17, 2025, in connection with a romance scam in which she allegedly deceived a victim, Emmanuel Ani, by posing as his fiancée, “Miss Chinansa.”

The EFCC filed a four-count charge against her, including obtaining by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, and impersonation. According to the anti-graft agency, between June 2023 and August 2024, Ugwu fraudulently obtained N6,710,300 from Ani under the guise of supporting his supposed fiancée.

Upon hearing the charges, Ugwu pleaded not guilty.

Court Remands Ugwu, Trial Set for April 8

Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.O. Saka and Faruku Muhammad urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility. Justice Kumaliya granted the request, adjourning the trial until April 8, 2025.

The EFCC disclosed that Ugwu failed to return or account for the money when confronted by the petitioner.

The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly scams involving deception and impersonation.