Nigerian 'scammer' arrested over Aussie woman's death

Nigerian police have arrested a man over the death of an elderly Australian woman and for defrauding her of $90,000 in an online dating scam.

Orowo Jesse Omokoh, 28, was arrested on January 28 in Nigeria, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The University of Ibadan graduate will appear before a court for extradition proceedings in connection with the death of West Australian grandmother Jette Jacobs in Johannesburg, South Africa, a spokesman said.

Ms Jacobs' death was deemed suspicious by police, who suspected Omokoh may have been involved.

Omokoh is alleged to have struck up a false relationship with the 68-year-old online and swindled her of $90,000 in savings over four years.

Ms Jacobs was found dead in February 2013, just five days after her love interest moved to the city to meet her.

Some of her valuables were missing and Omokoh had returned to Nigeria.

It is believed Ms Jacobs had also met up with a man known as "Jesse" in 2010 without incident.

The EFCC, which investigates money laundering and online scams, said Australian Federal Police informed officers in March of the alleged fraud.

They are now looking to track down his accomplices.

Source: The Australian
Author: Chloe Ross, Approving editor: Natasha Lee