A federal high court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, has heard the arraignment of Edidiiong Isidore James over allegations that he defrauded a Hungarian woman of about $41,000 in a romance scam.
The case was brought before the court by the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which alleged that the defendant used an online relationship to deceive the foreign national into sending money under false pretences.
During the hearing, Unyime Moses, an EFCC investigator told the court that evidence retrieved from the defendant’s mobile phone revealed extensive chat exchanges between him and the victim, identified as Elizabeth, who reportedly lodged a complaint through the Hungarian Embassy in Nigeria.
The witness said the defendant allegedly posed affectionately towards the victim, while demanding repeated financial transfers under different claims linked to their supposed relationship.
According to the EFCC, the victim initially transferred funds in the belief that she was in a genuine romantic relationship and that the money would be used for shared plans.
However, tensions reportedly arose when she demanded repayment after becoming suspicious.
Investigators further told the court that the defendant allegedly demanded additional payment before any refund could be made, insisting on further transfers before releasing the victim’s funds.
The EFCC also presented chat evidence allegedly showing the suspect dismissing threats of arrest and continuing to request money despite objections from the victim.
The prosecution said the defendant used multiple identities during the alleged scam, including a fake name uncovered during investigation, and that banking verification linked the accounts involved to him.
Following his arrest in Uyo during a sting operation, several items were reportedly recovered and tendered as evidence before the court.
The case has been adjourned to September 22 and 23, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
