Her family had begged her not to go to South Africa to meet the online boyfriend called “Jesse,” a man she’d already sent a small fortune to in Nigeria.
But Jette Jacobs, a 67-year-old grandmother, did just that, and then her body was found in a Johannesburg villa last February. Her money, credit cards and computer were missing.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian government announced the arrest of Orowo Jesse Omokoh, wanted in connection with online swindle allegations and Jacob’s suspicious death.
The country’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said its officers picked up Omokoh on Jan. 28. An extradition hearing will be held at a future date.
“The South African police, which is investigating the mysterious death, are suspicious that Omokoh has a hand in the demise of Jacobs,” the commission said in a statement.
A lonely widow, Jacobs had a four-year Internet romance with Omokoh, a student in Nigeria. She regularly sent him money, which he said was being used to feed hungry children.
She traveled to South Africa and was joined there by Omokoh in February 2013. Just days after his arrival, her body was found in a rented house.
After initial questioning by South African police, he fled to his native Nigeria. He’s been a wanted man ever since.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is only authorized to investigate financial fraud. But its officers had been coordinating with South Africa authorities to find Omokoh.
“We received a complaint about the fraudulent relationship from police in South Africa. We tracked him for a while, then we closed in,” said commission spokesman Wilson Uwujaren.
The woman, who had six children and 14 grandchildren, had been warned by Australian officials that she was likely participating in a scam, but the letter arrived after she had departed for South Africa.
International online fraud scams based in Nigeria often prey on older people with enticements of romance, fortune or aiding impoverished Africans.
With News Wire Services
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