Date: April 23, 2026 l Reporter: Usman Adebayo
A Nigerian woman convicted of a large-scale romance fraud scheme in the United States has been declared wanted by authorities after failing to report to prison to begin serving her eight-year jail sentence.
The suspect, identified as Emuobosan Emanuella Hall, is accused of defrauding victims—mostly elderly individuals—through elaborate online romance scams that generated significant financial losses.
According to U.S. federal authorities, Hall was scheduled to report to prison on March 25, 2026, but failed to appear, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant and a nationwide manhunt.
Investigators revealed that Hall had previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as money laundering. She was sentenced to 96 months (eight years) in prison earlier in 2026 following her conviction.
Authorities disclosed that Hall and her associates used fake identities on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to establish romantic relationships with victims. After gaining their trust, the group allegedly persuaded victims to send money under false pretenses, including fabricated emergencies, business ventures, and charitable causes.
The scheme reportedly involved the transfer of large sums of money through accounts controlled by the suspects, with funds later moved across multiple financial institutions, including foreign banks, to conceal their origin.
Officials also indicated that Hall’s last known location was near a major airport in the United States, where her electronic monitoring device was reportedly disabled shortly before her disappearance. Since then, her whereabouts have remained unknown.
Law enforcement agencies have urged members of the public with any information about her location to come forward, emphasizing that she is now considered a fugitive. Authorities also warned that additional penalties could be imposed if she is apprehended.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about romance fraud schemes, which continue to target vulnerable individuals through online platforms. Experts say such scams rely heavily on emotional manipulation and can result in devastating financial and psychological consequences for victims.
As investigations continue, the search for Hall underscores the challenges authorities face in tracking individuals involved in cross-border cybercrime, particularly when suspects exploit digital platforms to operate across multiple jurisdictions.