Tony, a retired banker in Abuja, noticed something off about his 23-year-old daughter, Ada. She was constantly glued to her phone, smiling at texts, staying up late, and becoming secretive. When Tony asked about it, she told him she was talking to “Kevin,” an American entrepreneur who planned to move to Nigeria for business.

• Kevin sent Ada long love messages and promises of marriage.
• He said he wanted to invest in Nigeria.
• He told her he was sending a package with jewelry and cash to help start their life together.

Ada was instructed to pay for the “release” of the package. She emptied her savings, then asked her father for a loan. That’s when Tony got suspicious.

The Investigation

Tony used his banking experience and contacts to dig deeper. With help from a friend in cybersecurity:

• They traced Kevin’s number to a scam syndicate in Accra, Ghana.
• The photos were stolen from a model’s Instagram.
• The courier company didn’t exist.

Tony confronted Ada gently. She cried, embarrassed. But she was also relieved.

The Support

Tony didn’t shame her. Instead, he:

• Introduced her to Susan Akerele Foundation.
• Encouraged her to attend their workshops.
• Helped her understand online emotional manipulation.

Healing Together

Ada slowly rebuilt her confidence. She now volunteers with the Foundation, working on digital awareness campaigns for young people.

Tony also began speaking to men about their role in protecting daughters and wives from digital fraud.

Key Takeaways

• Scammers are professionals. They study emotions.
• Family support can stop a scam before it’s too late.
• Education is power — both for victims and their loved ones.