EFCC Presents Evidence in $41,000 Romance Scam Trial in Uyo

By Joseph Sunday

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has begun presenting its case against Edidiong Nsidore James, who is standing trial for an alleged $41,000 romance scam.

At the resumed hearing before Justice Maurine Oyetenu of the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the EFCC’s first witness, Deputy Superintendent Unyime P. Moses, testified that incriminating evidence was recovered from the defendant’s mobile phone.

According to Moses, forensic analysis of James’ phone revealed detailed chats with a victim identified as Elizabeth, whom he frequently addressed as “My Everything.” The messages showed a pattern of financial demands and failed promises to refund money.

In one exchange, after Elizabeth requested a refund of her funds, James allegedly replied: “Send me $900 if you want your money back, because if you don’t send me the $900, I won’t give you your money back.”

When Elizabeth threatened to involve the EFCC, James reportedly dismissed the warning. “Did you really think the EFCC could arrest me? I remember I once told you that all this won’t help us, that you sent me $900, but you refused. So, tell me, how long will it take you to stop thinking you can arrest me,” he wrote.

Moses told the court that James used aliases to carry out the fraud. Upon arrest, he identified himself as ‘Jessy James,’ but a BVN check confirmed the name was fake.

The witness also read excerpts of Elizabeth’s pleas to the court. In one message, she wrote: “At the end of August, the bailiff will take my apartment and because of you, I will be on the street with my child. I will never forgive you for this… I need my $41,000.”

Attempts to reach Elizabeth by phone were unsuccessful. Moses said the victim became upset at the mention of James’ name, cursed, and described the entire country as “corrupt.” She stated: “Don’t ever call me again, your entire country is as corrupt as Jessy and I do not wish to speak with any of you again, except through my country’s Embassy.”

James was arrested on October 8, 2025, at his residence on Ring Road 3, off Camp Gee, Uyo, during an intelligence-driven operation. Items recovered included an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Redmi 13 mobile phone, and a Lexus ES350. All were tendered and admitted as exhibits by prosecution counsel Joshua Abolarin.

Forensic examination of the devices uncovered communications showing that James had allegedly defrauded Elizabeth, a Hungarian national, over a three-year period through romance scam tactics. Investigators say he collected $41,000 and continued to demand more.

During interrogation, James claimed he owned a BetNaija shop established in 2021 and boosted social media accounts for ₦30,000 to ₦40,000 per client. However, no evidence was found to support the business claims, and no clients’ login details were recovered.

Investigations concluded that James specialized in romance scams and identity theft, using fictitious Facebook and WhatsApp accounts to target foreign nationals. Although he admitted to receiving $4,000 from Elizabeth, data from his devices indicated he received significantly more.

He was first arraigned on January 30, 2026, on three counts of fraud under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. He pleaded not guilty.

One of the charges states that in February 2025, James fraudulently obtained $41,000 from Elizabeth and other victims under the false pretence of trading in Bitcoin/Forex.

Justice Oyetenu adjourned the case to September 22 and 23, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Signed:
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
June 18, 2026