Ghanaian musician Nhyiraba Kojo has returned to Ghana after a brief stay in the United States, sparking rumors that he may be under investigation by U.S. federal authorities in connection with the notorious $2 million romance scam involving influencer Hajia 4Real.
Hajia 4Real, whose real name is Mona Faiz Montrage, was recently sentenced to one year and one day in prison for her role in a widespread romance scam operation. The sentencing took place in New York under U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
Montrage, a well-known social media personality, was arrested in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2022, and later extradited to the U.S. on May 12, 2023. She faced charges related to conspiracy to receive stolen money, a crime linked to a string of romance scams that targeted vulnerable senior citizens.
Between 2016 and 2022, Montrage defrauded 32 victims of approximately $1.4 million by pretending to be romantically involved with them before swindling them out of their money. The funds were laundered through multiple bank accounts set up under her name.
Montrage pled guilty to conspiracy charges on February 21, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave, and her sentencing, initially set for June 3, 2024, was later postponed to June 28, 2024.
Meanwhile, rumors have surfaced that Nhyiraba Kojo, who is reportedly linked to the scandal, was investigated by U.S. authorities due to his potential involvement in the scam’s activities. However, no official statement has been issued regarding his connection to the case. Kojo’s return to Ghana has only intensified speculation regarding his role in the ongoing investigation.
The case of Hajia 4Real has highlighted the growing issue of romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals, with the U.S. authorities vowing to continue their efforts to crack down on such fraudulent schemes. As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on both Montrage and any possible connections to other figures in the scandal, including Kojo.