Sierra Leonean faces trial over $190,324 property fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Sierra Leonean, Favour Foday Kamara, over the alleged theft and fraudulent conversion of $190,324 belonging to a 70-year-old United States-based woman, Henrietta Vandi.

Kamara was arraigned on Tuesday before Justice O. A. Okunuga of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on a two-count charge bordering on stealing and fraudulent conversion.

The EFCC alleged that Vandi, also a Sierra Leonean, met the defendant during a visit to the Synagogue Church of All Nations between 2019 and 2020, after which he allegedly encouraged her to invest in Nigeria.

According to the commission, investigations revealed that Vandi sent money through Ria, Western Union, MoneyGram and cash transfers into Kamara’s Access Bank account to purchase and renovate a property at 20/30 Gbenga Ogunleye/Atobatele Street, Cele Bus Stop, Araromi, Alimosho, Lagos.

The EFCC said further investigations allegedly showed that the property was purchased in Kamara’s name, adding that he resides there and collects rent from tenants.

One of the charges alleged that Kamara dishonestly converted $190,324 belonging to Vandi for his personal use between August 2021 and February 2025 in Lagos.

No-case submission: EFCC rejects Emefiele’s bid to end $6.23m fraud trial

The commission said the alleged offence contravened Sections 278(1)(b) and 285(9) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Kamara, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility.

Justice Okunuga adjourned the case until October 29, 2026, for further proceedings and ordered that Kamara be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.