The Anambra State government has initiated a probe into the arrest of the recently elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Franklin Okechukwu Nwadialo, by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Texas.
Newsmen gathered that Nwadialo faces allegations of masterminding a $3.3 million romance scam.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the 40-year-old is accused of running an elaborate online scam, targeting vulnerable women through dating platforms like Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café, using fake identities to solicit large sums by claiming personal crises such as military fees and family emergencies.
Anambra State’s Commissioner for Local Government, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, addressed the issue, confirming that the government is gathering details about the arrest.
“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 an official statement.
The incident has sent shockwaves across Anambra, with many expressing disappointment and concern for Ogbaru LGA, where Nwadialo’s election had previously raised hopes for positive change.
Pending further legal action, Nwadialo’s deputy is expected to temporarily assume the chairman’s duties, as per constitutional protocol.
According to Daily Post, a senior Assembly official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the planned transition in Ogbaru’s leadership while legal proceedings continue.
The Anambra government has pledged to cooperate with U.S. authorities, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and integrity in governance, regardless of political affiliations.
