By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Anambra State government has initiated an investigation into the recent arrest of Franklin Okechukwu Nwadialo, the newly elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area,.
Nwadialo was arrested operatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Texas over his alleged involvement in a $3.3 million romance scam.
The 40 – year old local government chairman was picked up following charges that he engineered an elaborate online fraud scheme targeting vulnerable and love – starved women in the United States.
According to the indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice, Nwadialo used fake identities on popular dating platforms like Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café, to hoodwink his victims into sending millions of dollars to him.
The scam, which spanned several years, is said to have involved concocted personal challenges, such as military fines and family emergencies, to dupe the victims into transferring large sums of money in dollars into accounts controlled by him and his accomplices.
However, Anambra State’s Commissioner for Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, said the state government was in the process of gathering more information regarding the case.
“We first heard about the situation online, and we are currently investigating to understand the full details before making any decisions. Our priority is to ensure that justice is served and to preserve the integrity of our state,” Nwabunwanne said in a statement.
According to sources, the investigation has caused not a small ripples across Anambra State.
Nwadialo’s recent election was said to have rekindled hope for progressive leadership in Ogbaru LGA but officials and members of the community were shocked and disappointed when the arrest incident came to the open.
In line with constitutional procedures, it is anticipated that Nwadialo’s deputy will step in to fulfil the chairman’s duties while awaiting the legal proceedings.
An unnamed member of the Anambra State House of Assembly reportedly that this transition would take place pending further developments.
The state’s action highlights its commitment to addressing allegations of corruption and criminal activities, regardless of an individual’s political status.
As the FBI continues its investigation, the Anambra government has assured the public that it will cooperate with the U.S. authorities to ensure a transparent process.
The allegations against against Nwadialo: 
