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Alleged $968,000 fraud: How Fake US engineer duped me – Witness

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The trial of Wawe Eseoghene Nelson, a.k.a James Andrew Shmit and Philip Bradley before Justice Aliyu Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja commenced on Thursday, March 14, 2025 with the presentation of the First Prosecution Witness, PW1, Kathleen Sharp by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Nelson, arraigned on February 11, 2025 is facing prosecution by the EFCC on 11 count-charges bordering on advance fee fraud, impersonation, conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence to the tune of $968,000 (Nine Hundred and Sixty-eight Thousand Dollars), allegedly obtained from two US victims, Sharp and Holly Stamm.

Count one of his charge reads:  “That you, Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a James Andrew Smith) sometime in 2023 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($155,000) from one Kathleen Sharp, living in the United States of America with Telephone Number +13025983826 through Chase Bank with account name Pearl and Allison Llc, account number 952177670, Routing 021000021, account address 35 Knollwood Dr Aptos CA 95003 with bank address at 1990 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010 under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Smith, a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project, relating to petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

Count 11 reads: “That you Wawe Esoghene Nelson (a.k.a Philip Bradley) sometime in 2022 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000.00) from one Holly Stamm,  a Citizen of United States of America with email address stammus2012@gmail.com through Bitcoin and under the false pretence that you are James Andrew Shmit a Petroleum Engineer from United States of America that is into engineering project relating to petroleum exploration and that the said sum will be used to secure a petroleum project which pretence you knew was false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a)of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

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He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him, prompting his trial.

Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Maryam Aminu Ahmed, the witness  narrated how the defendant lured her via the social media into sending him money in the guise of financing a project and would repay her when the project yielded dividends upon completion.

“I was contacted by the Commission that they discovered that I was defrauded by one James Andrew Shmit via social media platform. We communicated over social media where he presented himself as an engineer working at BP Oil in the Gulf of Mexico. He started by asking for funds because he did not have access to his personal funds and the credit situation in connection with the project required a large amount of funds with the promise that it will be returned and he will avail the funds to me. The total funds are $183,000 (One Hundred and Eighty-three Thousand Dollars) through three instalments, one by wired certificate cheque, two instalments by wired transfer. The first one was for $45,500, (Forty-five Thousand Dollars), the second one was $131,000 (One Hundred and Thirty-one Dollars) and the third was $7000 (Seven Thousand Dollars) I wired. I have not been paid my money.

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Kano Emirate Dispute: Court Of Appeal Upholds Status Quo Pending Supreme Court Decision

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The Court of Appeal has ordered all parties to maintain the status quo in the ongoing Kano Emirate dispute, effectively halting the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as Emir of Kano until the Supreme Court delivers its judgment.

The Emirate has been embroiled in a legal tussle following the state’s legislative actions affecting its traditional leadership. In 2024, the Kano State Government enacted the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024, which led to significant changes in the emirate’s structure, including the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

On June 20, 2024, the Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice Abubakar Liman, nullified the actions taken by the Kano State Government under the 2024 law.

Subsequently, on January 10, 2025, the Court of Appeal overturned the Federal High Court’s decision, asserting that the lower court lacked jurisdiction over chieftaincy matters, which are typically under the purview of state high courts. This appellate decision reinstated the 2024 law and, by extension, Sanusi’s position as Emir.

Dissatisfied with the appellate court’s judgment, Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, a prominent kingmaker, filed an appeal to the Supreme Court. He also sought an injunction to prevent the enforcement of the January 10 judgment pending the Supreme Court’s decision. On March 14, 2025, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Okon Abang, granted this injunction.

The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo as it existed before the Federal High Court’s June 2024 ruling, effectively halting Sanusi’s reinstatement until the Supreme Court adjudicates the matter.

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Mohbad Death: Fabiyi Unveils Shocking Confession

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Nigerian actor and activist Yomi Fabiyi has made a shocking claim regarding the mysterious death of popular singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad. During a recent interview, Fabiyi disclosed that Mohbad’s brother, Adura Aloba, allegedly confessed that the late singer was pushed, causing him to fall and fatally hit his head.

The revelation has sparked fresh public outrage, with many questioning the slow pace of the official investigation. Fabiyi insists that this critical piece of evidence should not be ignored, raising concerns about possible attempts to suppress the truth.

Fabiyi revealed that Adura Aloba contacted him via TikTok DM, claiming he possessed video evidence related to a fight between Mohbad and his wife. In their exchange, Adura sent a short 30-second clip, allegedly showing blood on the floor, which Fabiyi confirmed was filmed inside Mohbad’s house.

Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Fabiyi pursued further investigation and submitted petitions to the police, including the Assistant Inspector General of Police and the Lagos State Command. However, despite his efforts, he lamented that the authorities have been slow to act on the evidence presented.

Fabiyi later disclosed that, during a press conference, Adura admitted that the short clip he initially shared was part of a much longer 10-minute video. In this full recording, Mohbad’s wife is allegedly seen pushing him, which led to his fatal head injury.

Despite the gravity of this claim, Fabiyi expressed frustration that law enforcement appears to be downplaying the importance of this revelation. He accused the authorities of focusing on unrelated details while neglecting key evidence that could change the course of the investigation.

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Following Fabiyi’s revelation, the case has taken a new turn, reigniting public calls for transparency and justice. Many Nigerians are demanding that law enforcement agencies prioritise the investigation and act on the new evidence without bias.

Fabiyi remains determined to ensure that the truth behind Mohbad’s untimely demise is uncovered. He has vowed to continue pushing for accountability until justice is served.

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Cross River cracks down on land encroachment

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Cross River government has warned individuals encroaching on state-owned land to vacate immediately, as it is now committed to reclaiming such properties across the state.

A strong warning was issued specifically to individuals and groups unlawfully occupying land belonging to state-owned educational institutions.

This was stated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Asset Management and Recovery, Mr Gilbert Agbor, in a statement made available to journalists in Calabar on Friday.

The government condemned the increasing cases of land encroachment affecting several schools, including the University of Cross River (UNICROSS), formerly CRUTECH, and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa.

Other affected institutions include Government College, Ikot Ansa; Government Secondary School, Obio-Asim, Odukpani; Girls’ Secondary School, Ugep; and Government Technical College, Obubra.

Government Secondary School (GOVISCO), Ikom, and several other institutions across the state have also been impacted by illegal occupation.

“The government has directed all illegal occupants to vacate these lands immediately. Swift and decisive action will be taken against defaulters, regardless of their status or influence.

“Gov. Bassey Otu has ordered the immediate recovery of all state properties unlawfully taken over. His administration remains committed to protecting government assets from misuse,” Agbor said.

He urged the public to provide useful information that could assist in recovering these assets, assuring informants of confidentiality and appropriate rewards for credible intelligence.

Additionally, members of the public were encouraged to report illegal occupation of government property to the Department of Asset Management and Recovery at the Governor’s Office. (NAN)

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