By Emmanuel Daniji

A 70-year-old woman living in the United States is seeking justice after allegedly losing $190,324 in a property investment deal in Lagos, leading to the arraignment of a Sierra Leonean man before a Lagos State High Court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Favour Kamara on charges of alleged stealing and fraudulent conversion of the money meant for the purchase and renovation of a property in Lagos.

Kamara appeared before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to an EFCC statement released on Thursday.

The case centres on a property investment arrangement between Kamara and Henrietta Vandi, a United States-based Sierra Leonean woman who reportedly met him during a visit to the Synagogue Church of All Nations between 2019 and 2020.

According to the EFCC, Vandi alleged that Kamara later encouraged her to invest in property in Nigeria. She reportedly sent money through several channels, including Ria, Western Union, MoneyGram and cash transfers into his Access Bank account.

The funds were allegedly intended to purchase and renovate a property at 30 Gbenga Ogunleye/Atobatele Street, Cele Bus Stop, Araromi, Alimosho, Lagos.

However, the commission alleged that the property was purchased in Kamara’s name. He was also accused of living in the property and collecting rent from tenants.

One of the charges alleges that Kamara dishonestly converted $190,324 belonging to Vandi to his personal use between August 2021 and February 2025.

The charge cites sections 278(1)(b) and 285(9) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

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

The presiding judge, O. A. Okunuga, adjourned the case until October 29 and ordered that Kamara be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The case highlights the risks that can arise when people entrust substantial sums of money to others for property investments, particularly when the ownership arrangements and financial transactions are disputed.

For Vandi, the allegations have now moved from a private investment arrangement to a court case, where the facts will be tested through legal proceedings.

Kamara has pleaded not guilty and remains presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.