Lured for Love, Trapped in Ghana: How a Nigerian Gang Kidnapped an 80-Year-Old American

Diana Christine Nelson, an 80-year-old Californian, found herself trapped in a web of lies, deception, and danger after falling for a man she met on Facebook. What began as a charming online romance with a man claiming to be actor Mark Harmon spiraled into a harrowing tale of abduction and ransom demands.

‎Diana’s son, Blake Medina, had seen the warning signs early on. He cautioned her to end the online relationship, convinced it was a scam. But Diana, blinded by love, couldn’t resist the sweet words of her suitor. Unbeknownst to her, the “Mark Harmon” she was chatting with was actually Emmanuel Adeboye, a Nigerian con artist orchestrating an elaborate scam.

‎By June 2024, after a brief pause, Diana reignited the romance. Adeboye sent her a fake $25,000 check and persuaded her to take out a reverse mortgage on her home, securing $15,000. With his encouragement, Diana packed her bags and flew to Accra, Ghana, on November 22.

‎Upon arrival, she was met not by Adeboye but by his accomplice, Esther, who whisked her away to a so-called “penthouse” in Tema. The supposed love story turned sinister. Diana’s belongings were confiscated, and she became a prisoner, held for ransom while Adeboye communicated with her only by phone.

‎Back in California, her son grew suspicious when he saw Diana’s house listed for sale online. Investigating further, he learned she had traveled to Ghana. When Blake finally reached her by phone, Adeboye took over the call, demanding $150,000 and insisting Blake sell Diana’s house to pay the ransom. Blake refused and involved the authorities.

‎With the FBI and Ghana Police Service working together, a rescue operation was set in motion. They baited the kidnappers by reloading Diana’s credit card and tracked the cash withdrawals at ATMs. On December 11, law enforcement swooped in, arresting Adeboye and Esther.

Esther and Adeboye upon their arrest.

‎Now in police custody, the duo awaits trial while investigators hunt for other members of the gang. Diana, though shaken, is finally free and safe, a reminder of how easily love can blind even the most cautious of hearts.

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