The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Sierra Leonean, Favour Foday Kamara, before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over an alleged $190,324 fraud involving a United States-based Sierra Leonean woman.

In a statement on Wednesday, the commission said Mr Kamara was arraigned on Tuesday on a two-count charge bordering on alleged stealing and fraudulent conversion of funds belonging to Henrietta Vandi, 70.

Ms Vandi also alleged that Mr Kamara subsequently encouraged her to invest in the country during their meetings.

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

The statement said further investigations revealed that the property was allegedly purchased in the defendant’s name and that he resides there and collects rent from tenants.

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

The charge reads in part: “That you, Favour Foday Kamara, between August 2021 and February 2025, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to your use the sum of $190,324.00 USD, property of one Mrs Henrietta Vandi, thereby committing an offence of stealing.”

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

Following the defendant’s plea, prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant in a correctional facility.

Justice O. A. Okunuga subsequently adjourned the case until October 29, 2026 and ordered that Mr Kamara be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.