When Emeka lost his wife in a tragic accident, his entire world crumbled. At 42, he was suddenly a single father of two, managing a small electronics shop in Enugu while grappling with his grief. Over time, loneliness set in. His children were growing, his responsibilities multiplying, and he longed for companionship — someone to talk to, to share life with.

That’s when he met “Linda Roberts” on Facebook — a friendly nurse from Canada working with an NGO in West Africa.

• She was compassionate and engaging, always commenting thoughtfully on his posts.
• They began chatting daily, exchanging life stories and shared dreams.
• She praised his dedication to his children and told him she admired his strength.

A Connection Grows

Within weeks, Emeka felt lighter. Linda was smart, funny, and always knew what to say. They’d talk late into the night, share jokes, talk about their children, and speak of the future.

• She claimed she was planning to visit Nigeria to volunteer at a rural clinic.
• She expressed genuine interest in building a life together.
• She even sent him photos of herself, her colleagues, and the clinic — all later revealed to be stolen.

The Requests Begin

Then came a message that changed everything. Linda said she was robbed during a mission trip and had lost her passport, money, and belongings. She needed help — about ₦300,000 — to get her documents replaced and continue her work.

• Emeka dipped into his business funds and sent the money.
• Later came new requests: “hospital bills,” “customs clearance,” “visa renewal.”
• Trusting her, he borrowed and spent a total of ₦2.7 million.

And then she vanished.

Shattered Illusions

Linda’s account was deleted. Her phone number stopped working. The heartbreak wasn’t just emotional — it was financial, mental, and deeply humiliating.

Finding Help at the Susan Akerele Foundation

Through an online support group, Emeka learned about the Susan Akerele Foundation. There, he discovered a space filled with understanding and empathy.

• The Foundation connected him with a counselor who specialized in scam recovery.
• He joined a support circle with other male and female survivors.
• He was told, again and again, that being scammed didn’t make him weak — it made him human.

Turning Pain Into Power

Emeka took the lessons seriously. He was determined not just to heal, but to protect others.

• He enrolled in the Foundation’s digital literacy training.
• He hosted small workshops in his community, educating shop owners and youth.
• He created a “Red Flag” flyer in local language that was distributed to 200+ people.

A New Mission

Emeka’s shop became more than a business — it became a hub for awareness. He started offering free talks every last Saturday of the month on online fraud prevention.

• He uses real-life examples, including his own story, to teach.
• He mentors young men, especially those seeking relationships online.
• He proudly wears shirts printed with slogans like “Verify Before You Trust” and “Don’t Rush Love.”

His Words, His Strength

“I never thought I could be a victim. But I was. And now, I use that experience to educate others. I am not ashamed — I am wiser. My story can save someone else.”

Key Takeaways from Emeka’s Story

• Romance scams target both men and women — vigilance is key.
• Your value doesn’t diminish because you were deceived.
• Recovery is not only possible, it’s empowering.

Giving Back, Moving Forward

Now, Emeka works closely with the Foundation’s outreach team. He visits schools, youth clubs, and men’s forums to talk about online scams.

• He’s helped three men avoid similar traps.
• He co-hosted a community radio show on digital safety.
• He’s preparing to write a guide for widowed fathers navigating emotional vulnerability online.

A Renewed Life

Today, Emeka smiles more. His children are thriving, and his business is back on track. He no longer carries the shame — he wears his experience as a badge of honor.

His story breaks the stereotype that only women fall victim to romance scams. His courage speaks for countless men who’ve suffered in silence.

From heartbreak came healing. And from loss, a new sense of mission.

Emeka’s journey is a beacon — reminding everyone that healing is possible, that truth is liberating, and that even the most broken heart can be mended with purpose.