The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned Sierra Leonean Favour Kamara before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on charges of alleged stealing and fraudulent conversion of $190,324.
The funds were sent by a 70-year-old United States-based Sierra Leonean, Henrietta Vandi, intended for the purchase and renovation of a property in Lagos, according to an EFCC statement released on Thursday.
Ms Vandi alleged that she met Mr Kamara during a visit to the Synagogue Church of All Nations between 2019 and 2020. He later encouraged her to invest in Nigeria. She transferred the money through Ria, Western Union, MoneyGram and cash deposits into Mr Kamara’s Access Bank account to acquire and renovate a property at 30 Gbenga Ogunleye/Atobatele Street, Cele Bus Stop, Araromi, Alimosho, Lagos.
The EFCC claims the property was purchased in Mr Kamara’s name. He allegedly lived there and collected rent from tenants. One count accuses him of dishonestly converting the $190,324 to his personal use between August 2021 and February 2025, contrary to sections 278(1)(b) and 285(9) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Mr Kamara pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel Nnaemeka Omewa requested a trial date and remand of the defendant. Trial judge O. A. Okunuga adjourned the matter to 29 October and ordered that Mr Kamara be held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
Mr Kamara is presumed innocent until proven guilty.